Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a common and increasingly prevalent maladaptive coping method, often used by adolescents. The role of the media in the transmission of NSSI acceptance and adoption in mainstream culture is explored in this article. The increasing reach of the media, the particular susceptibility of adolescent and young adults to…

While awareness of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) appears to be increasing among school counselors, social workers, nurses, and others who work with youth, it remains one of the most difficult behaviors to encounter, with few professionals feeling well equipped to handle these situations. This introductory article aims to define NSSI, describe…

Self-injury is intentionally injuring one's body without suicidal intent. However, self-injury is often confused with a suicide attempt. Drawing on her experience as a clinical coordinator at an in-patient program for youth who self-injure, the author provides a background on self-injury, then explores how self-injury differs from suicide and why…