1. Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Underpinnings: Kealagh Robinson Youth Wellbeing Study Understanding the Psychological Functions of Non-Suicidal Self Injury in Young Adolescents

2. Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Self-inflicted and deliberate destruction of bodily tissue - absence of suicidal intent - not part of cultural practise (e.g. tattooing) Internationally, 18% of adolescents will engage in NSSI at least once Linked with depression, anxiety and increased risk of suicide (Nock & Prinstein, 2004; Muehlenkamp, Claes, Havertape, & Plener, 2012; Tuisku et al., 2009)

3. Psychological Functions (YWS: Interviews with Guidance Counsellors [working paper]; Muelenkamp 2006; Klonsky & Olino, 2008) “…what on earth are they doing this for why would they want to hurt themselves …. [sic] I just don’t get it…” Understanding of the functions that NSSI serves may aid in: - understanding the development and trajectory - effective assessment and treatment strategies - assisting support networks

4. Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury (ISAS) 39 items: When I self-harm, I am … … calming myself down … showing that I am separate from other people (Klonsky & Glenn, 2009) 0 Not relevant 1 Somewhat relevant 2 Very relevant Functions identified through literature review and consultation: Affect Regulation Sensation SeekingMarking Distress Self-CareAutonomy Self-Punishment Feeling GenerationToughness Anti-Suicide Peer BondingInterpersonal Boundaries Revenge Interpersonal Influence

5. Intrapersonal Functions Affect Regulation Marking Distress Self-Punishment Feeling Generation Anti-Suicide (Klonsky & Glenn, 2009; Illustrations by Ant Sang)

6. Interpersonal Functions Peer Bonding Sensation Seeking Toughness Interpersonal Boundaries Self-Care Autonomy Interpersonal Influence Revenge (Klonsky & Glenn, 2009; Illustrations by Ant Sang)

7. Previous Literature Functions established in: University undergrads (M age = 18.5) Members of an international self-injury peer support group (M age = 23.8) Intrapersonal functions rated higher than Interpersonal functions - Affect Regulation & Self Punishment endorsed most strongly However... Onset of NSSI begins at 13 to 14 years old (Klonsky & Olino, 2008; Klonsky & Glenn, 2009; Kortge, Meade & Tennant, 2013)

8. 15 schools; N = 1006 N = 178 Depression Anxiety Emotion Regulation Self Esteem Parental Attachment Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory ISAS M age = 13.45 77% ♀ ; 23% ♂ Youth Wellbeing Study M age = 13.40 57% ♀ ; 43% ♂ Wave 1

9. NSSI Topography BehaviourPercentage of sample who report engagement Cutting71% Scratching51% Carving designs 44% Stuck sharp objects in skin 35% Punched or banged 35% Prevented wounds from healing 34% Biting 18% Burning 15% Rubbed glass 13% Broken bones 7% Sandpapered skin 6% Dripped acid >1% Used bleach/oven cleaner >1% M frequency = 3.27

10. Function Endorsement FunctionMean (SD) Affect Regulation 1.11 (0.66) Self-Punishment 0.93 (0.70) Anti-Dissociation 0.60 (0.60) Anti-Suicide 0.51 (0.63) Marking Distress 0.51 (0.54) Interpersonal Boundaries 0.36 (0.49) Toughness 0.35 (0.49) Self-Care 0.29 (0.40) Interpersonal Influence 0.24 (0.37) Autonomy 0.22 (0.41) Sensation Seeking 0.20 (0.36) Revenge 0.16 (0.40) Peer Bonding 0.16 (0.40)

11. Relationship with Gender Function: p >.001, η p 2 =.34 Sex: ns Function by Sex: p >.001, η p 2 =.12

12. Overall Wellbeing Intrapersonal Functions Interpersonal Functions Depression.67.31 Anxiety.51.31 Self-Esteem-.56ns Emotion Regulation-.49-.22 Resilience-.29ns

13. Chronic NSSI Function: p <.001, η p 2 =.57 Frequency: p <.001, η p 2 =.17 Function by Frequency: p <.001, η p 2 =.27

14. Conclusions Young people report many different reasons for why hurt themselves Intrapersonal reasons much more likely, particularly amongst girls Intrapersonal functions more strongly predicts both positive and negative outcomes, as well as chronic NSSI Next: How do these functions develop over time?