A longitudinal study of self‐injurious thoughts and behaviors transitions and help‐seeking intentions among young adults

Abstract

AbstractPurposeEngagement in self‐injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITBs) is associated with low help‐seeking intentions. Nevertheless, prior research has primarily relied on cross‐sectional data, leaving uncertainties about the longitudinal dynamics between SITBs and help‐seeking intentions. This study aims to investigate the longitudinal relationship between SITBs and help‐seeking intentions for them.MethodA one‐year interval follow‐up investigation was conducted among 1788 Chinese students (71.5% girls, Mage = 19.5). Changes in help‐seeking intentions were initially analyzed among four SITBs transition groups. Subsequently, a cross‐lagged model was employed to explore the possible bidirectional associations.Results232 participants (12.90%) experienced changes in SITBs, while 65 participants (3.60%) exhibited sustained SITBs between two measurement time points. Changes in help‐seeking intentions varied across SITBs transition groups. Participants whose SITBs faded 1 year later showed a significant increase in help‐seeking intentions, whereas those who experienced newly developed SITBs across two measurement time points demonstrated a significant decline. The cross‐lagged analysis revealed that help‐seeking intentions negatively predicted the subsequent risk of experiencing SITBs.ConclusionsGreater help‐seeking intentions predicted decreased SITBs 1 year later. Changes in help‐seeking intentions serve as a valuable indicator for distinguishing between different types of SITBs transition. These findings underscore the importance of implementing prevention and intervention strategies targeted at enhancing help‐seeking intentions to reduce SITBs.