Functions of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Late Adolescence: A Latent Class Analysis

Abstract

This study employed latent class analysis utilizing an array of features of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in order to identify distinct subgroups of self-injurers. Participants were 359 undergraduates with NSSI history. Indicator variables were lifetime and last year frequency rates, number of methods, scarring, pain during self-injury, and functions of NSSI. Analyses yielded mild/experimental NSSI, moderate NSSI, moderate multiple functions NSSI, and severe NSSI groups, endorsing low, moderate, moderate multiple functions, and high frequencies of self-injury and presence of functions, respectively. Following class assignment, groups differed on self-esteem, social support and belongingness, internalizing symptoms, suicidal ideation and behaviors, and additional NSSI constructs. These subtype analyses emphasize matching phenotypes of NSSI to specific interventions considering dimensions of clinical functioning.

Keywords:

• functions
• latent class analysis
• non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)
• scarring
• suicide

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Julia A. C. Case

Julia A. C. Case, Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Taylor A. Burke

Taylor A. Burke, Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

David M. Siegel

David M. Siegel, Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Marilyn L. Piccirillo

Marilyn L. Piccirillo, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.

Lauren B. Alloy

Lauren B. Alloy, Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Thomas M. Olino

Thomas Olino, Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.