Self-Injury Behaviors in Cyber Space

Abstract

This entry describes the evolution and current state of research related to Non-suicidal self-injury on the Internet across a variety of mediums, including social networking websites, video-sharing websites, and informational websites. Although the full influence of such online behaviours on off-line behaviours and functioning remains relatively unknown, it appears that such activities pose both risks and benefits to mental health and wellbeing. Online activities may provide individuals with a history of or interest in self-injury with guidance and education, informal support, a sense of community, as well as allow for personal expression. However, such activities can also serve to trigger, reinforce, and normalize self-injury and may substitute for off-line relationships. The pervasiveness of self-injury online suggests that regular assessment of on-line activity is an important aspect of self-injury treatment. The chapter concludes with suggestions for utilizing the Internet as a novel approach to self-injury prevention and intervention efforts.