Nonsuicidal Self-injury in Southeast Asia: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This article presents an overview on nonsuicidal self-injury in Southeast Asia. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review was conducted regarding self-injury in Southeast Asia. Seventeen studies eligible for inclusion were identified. Findings revealed that self-injury is most common among youth between the ages of 14 and 35 years old. The prevalence rates reported were from 7.1% to 11.4% in community samples and 20.7% to 75.9% in clinical samples. The most common function for self-injury is that it serves as an emotion regulation strategy, and the main causes appear to stem from individual (emotional dysregulation, low self-esteem, gender and psychiatric disorders) and environmental factors (childhood maltreatment, childhood neglect, parental invalidation and academic stress). Comorbidity with depressive disorders, adjustment disorders and anxiety disorders are most often reported. The paucity of studies with high heterogeneity calls for further research exploring self-injury which may inform better mental health practice and policymaking in Southeast Asia.