The co-occurrence of nonsuicidal and suicidal self-injurious acts in adult women: A pilot study of similarities and differences

Abstract

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal self-injury (SSI) co-occur in adults. The purpose of the current study was to examine differences and similarities in NSSI and SSI in adult women with respect to (1) methods used and lethality of methods, (2) intent and impulsivity of act, (3) precipitating events, and (4) consequences. The data consist of variables pertaining to 46 self-injurious acts committed by 16 Finnish female participants and recorded using Suicide Attempt Self-Injury Interviews (SASII). The data were analyzed using variables weighted by the number of acts. This study found several differences as well as similarities between the acts of SSI and those of NSSI: (a) the respective acts differ in the methods used, in the lethality of the methods, and in the expectations of resulting lethality of the acts, (b) they further differ in the functions the respective acts serve and (c) in some of the precipitating events and consequences. The acts were similar in (d) impulsivity of act and (e) some of the precipitating events and consequences. Because both types of behavior can occur within the same individual, and due to the progressing evolution between them, a thorough assessment of both NSSI and SSI needs to be completed. More emphasis needs to be placed on both the assessment of social connections and interpersonal conflict as well as how it informs the treatment. Because the behavior studied is multifunctional and changing, its treatment too needs to be customized to the multiple and changing needs of the individual patients, as opposed to diagnostic tailored treatment.

Keywords::

• nonsuicidal self-injury
• suicidal self-injury
• co-occurrence
• adults
• assessment