A Systematic Review: Non‐Suicidal Self‐injury in Australia and New Zealand's Indigenous Populations

Abstract

Objective

To undertake a systematic review of non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) prevalence, patterns, functions, and behavioural correlates for the Indigenous populations of Australia (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders) and New Zealand (NZ; Maori).

Method

We searched the following electronic databases: PubMed, MedLine, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, PsycInfo, and PsycArticles, CINAHL, and the Informit Health and Indigenous Peoples collections. Studies were included for review if they were published within the last 25 years and reported on NSSI in Australia and NZ's Indigenous populations.

Results

Seven studies were included, six of which came from Australia. The prevalence of NSSI in Australia ranged from 0.9% up to 22.50%; statistics varied by the different samples, types of prevalence, and relationship to alcohol. Several studies found that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples had higher rates of NSSI than other Australians, but that this was not significantly higher. Two studies indicated that NSSI was linked to alcohol use, incarceration, and a younger age. The one NZ study was of injury and not specifically NSSI.

Conclusions

Findings are limited due to a small pool of literature. Cultural variations in NSSI presentation should be considered when working with Indigenous populations. Further research is required to help determine what cultural variations may exist.

Key words:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
• Australia
• Indigenous
• Maori
• New Zealand
• non‐suicidal self‐injury
• self‐harm

We respectfully refer to Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Maori populations as “Indigenous” throughout this article. For clarity, when referring to a specific population, “ATSI” and “Maori” terms are used.

We respectfully refer to Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Maori populations as “Indigenous” throughout this article. For clarity, when referring to a specific population, “ATSI” and “Maori” terms are used.

Acknowledgement

This study was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council #APP1061963.

Notes

We respectfully refer to Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Maori populations as “Indigenous” throughout this article. For clarity, when referring to a specific population, “ATSI” and “Maori” terms are used.

Additional information

Funding

National Health and Medical Research Council