Function and progression of non-suicidal self-injury and relationship with suicide attempts: A qualitative investigation with an adolescent clinical sample

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the function and progression of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and its relationship with suicide attempts. Method: Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 adolescents psychiatrically hospitalized following a suicide attempt who reported NSSI. Applied thematic analysis was used to identify and examine themes from the interview data. Results: Thematic analysis revealed that the primary function of NSSI was relief from emotional pain, though the function often changed over time. NSSI was often not directly related to patients’ suicide attempts, yet risk of suicidal behavior seemed to increase once NSSI lost its effectiveness, and suicide became the only option. Conclusion: Clinicians need to understand and monitor the functions of NSSI, and its relationship with suicidality, to prevent suicide attempts among adolescents.