Non-suicidal self-injury in a college sample: Intrapersonal and family factors

Objective: Adolescents and young adults are at risk for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal behavior. This study examined intrapersonal (depressive symptoms, self-criticism) and family (perceived family functioning, parenting style, parental attachment) factors associated with reported history of NSSI in a college sample. Method: Participants included 111 undergraduate students (M_age = 20.2) from a private, nonprofit university. Data were collected via online survey. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results: The final model was statically significant, Nagelkerke R² = .40, suggesting a robust association between the predictors and history of NSSI. Self-criticism and unhealthy family functioning were significant predictors of NSSI behaviors after controlling for study variables and demographic characteristics. Reported history of engaging in NSSI was positively correlated with parent alienation, unhealthy family functioning, self-criticizing behaviors, and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: College mental health providers should be familiar with risk factors of NSSI as well as strategies to address self-criticism.