Detailed contribution information

Back to list

Contribution title Exploring Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in University Students: A Mixed-Methods Approach to Understanding Stress, Coping, and Underlying Reasons
Contribution code D1.075
Authors
  1. Daniel Schleicher University of Regensburg Presenter
  2. Elena von Perponcher University of Regensburg
  3. Irina Jarvers University of Regensburg
  4. Angelika Ecker University of Regensburg
  5. Elisa Heidingsfelder University of Regensburg
  6. Stephanie Kandsperger University of Regensburg
  7. Romuald Brunner Universitätsklinikum Regensburg
Form of presentation Poster
Topic
  • T15 - Deliberate self harm
Abstract Aims: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is alarmingly prevalent among university students, placing them at significant risk for long-term adverse outcomes, including suicide. This study explored factors contributing to NSSI in university students by examining their reasons for engaging in NSSI, histories of stressful events, and coping strategies.
Methods: A sample of 185 university students with a lifetime history of NSSI was assessed for depressive symptoms and NSSI characteristics. Participants completed three questionnaires addressing reasons for NSSI, stressful events, and coping strategies during childhood and adolescence, each including an “others” option with open-ended response boxes. Closed-question responses were descriptively analyzed, and open-ended answers were qualitatively categorized and examined as predictors of depression severity and the continuation of NSSI into adulthood.
Results and Conclusions: The qualitative analysis identified 8, 5, and 10 categories for NSSI reasons, stressful events, and coping strategies, respectively, with substantial to almost perfect interrater reliability. Significant predictors of depression severity included two NSSI reason categories (termination or reduction of something negative; self-deprecation or self-punishment), one stressful event category (traumatization or experiences of violence), and two coping strategy categories (auto-aggression; withdrawal, isolation, or independent coping) (β = .21 - .23). Participants reporting events categorized as "traumatization or experiences of violence" were three times more likely to continue NSSI into adulthood (f² = .07). The study underscores the utility of mixed-methods approaches. The stable qualitative categories highlight the need to address individual differences in NSSI-related factors and emphasize trauma-related stressors as critical influences on depression severity and NSSI persistence into adulthood.