Prevalence and Correlates of Non-suicidal Self-injury in a Sample of Youth Correctional Inmates in Japan

• In Event: Poster Session 2

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence rate of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in sample of youth correctional inmates in Japan, and to examine its association with suicide. A self-reported questionnaire was administered to 436 (351 boys and 85 girls) admitted to juvenile classification homes. Lifetime prevalence rate of NSSI was 46.3% for boys and 75.3% for girls; those with 10 or more experiences in either method (repeated group) was 23.5% for boys and 38.8% for girls, indicating that girls had significantly higher rates of experience. The repeated group had a lower age of first NSSI, a greater variety of NSSI methods and a higher history of suicidal ideations and attempts. In the repeated group of girls, more than 70% had suicidal ideations, approximately 60% had a history of suicide attempts, and roughly 40% perceived NSSI to be helpful. Based on the results, the understanding of NSSI and suicide prevention measures for delinquent adolescents will be discussed.

Author

• Masaru Takahashi, Ochanomizu University