Non-suicidal self-injuries in adolescent girls: clinical, social, and behavioral characteristics

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury among adolescents—particularly girls—its clinical, social, and predictive factors, as well as psychological features, remain insufficiently studied.

AIM: The work aimed to analyze clinical, social, behavioral, and psychological factors associated with non-suicidal self-injury.

METHODS: A total of 186 adolescent girls hospitalized in a specialized psychiatric facility with confirmed episodes of non-suicidal self-injury were assessed as part of a two-year observational study (September 1, 2022–September 1, 2024). Sociodemographic characteristics (age, place of residence, parenting style), clinical variables (diagnoses according to the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases, psychiatric history), and behavioral indicators (location and frequency of episodes) were evaluated. Psychological parameters were assessed using the Maria Kovacs Depression Inventory, Raven Progressive Matrices, the Suicide Risk Assessment Scale, and the Individual Typological Questionnaire.

RESULTS: The first episode of non-suicidal self-injury most frequently occurred at ages 13–14 (38.2%). A high level of depression (median score: 64) was associated with interpersonal difficulties and low self-esteem. Behavioral aspects included predominant localization of injuries on the forearms (81.18%) and a tendency to commit episodes at home (83.9%). Suicide risk was identified in 25.8% of participants, and a significant proportion of adolescents demonstrated emotional dysregulation.

CONCLUSION: Non-suicidal self-injury in adolescent girls is associated with a wide range of social, behavioral, and psychological factors. A differentiated approach to assessment and prevention that considers family and emotional aspects is essential for improving treatment and prevention outcomes.

Keywords

non-suicidal self-injury / adolescents / girls / emotional regulation / depression / social factors / behavioral characteristics / family relationships / psychometric scales / clinical features

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