Psychosocial Factors and Non-Suicidal Self Injurious Behavior in Adolescents: A Phenomenology Study

Non-suicidal self-injurious behavior (NSSI) is a deliberate self-harm behavior and is more frequent in adolescents. The psychosocial factor has an influence on the well-being of adolescents and their mental health. The purpose of the study is to explore the experiences and psychosocial factors of adolescents. For this aim, purposive sampling was used for the selection of adolescents with NSSI features. The sample was approached through their family member in different clinical setups and 1 sample was selected. NSSI Expectancy Questionnaire (Hasking & Boyes, 2018) was administered on a sample to target the adolescents with features of NSSI. The data was analyzed through IPA analysis to reveal the findings of the study. The result of the study indicated that adolescents have shown difficulty in their emotional regulation and highlighted the role of psychosocial factors in developing NSSI features. The emergent theme of the research study reveals that experiencing low self-endurance, false impressions and disconnectedness, unhealthy coping mechanisms, a sense of incompleteness and emotional burden from family are maintaining factors of non-suicidal self-injurious behavior. These are the major themes emerging from the research study. Moreover, other theme involves adjustment issues and bullying based on individuality which has a role in developing NSSI in adolescents. The results of the study indicate the importance of psychosocial factors and experiences of adolescents. The findings of the study can help determine and consider psychosocial factors for intervention plans to promote healthy coping. Furthermore, it will also help in providing early intervention to prevent the rates of suicide in adolescents.