Risk factors associated with self-injurious behavior among a national sample of undergraduate college students.

OBJECTIVE

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidality among undergraduates represent important public health issues. This analysis identified risk factors that distinguished 3 groups, those who reported no history of self-harm; self-injury, but no suicide attempts (NSSI only); and self-injury and a suicide attempt (NSSI + SA) in the past year.

METHODS

Data came from 16,044 undergraduates who completed the Fall 2010 National College Health Assessment.

RESULTS

Over 3% of students reported NSSI, and one third of these individuals also attempted suicide. Factors that distinguished the NSSI only and NSSI + SA groups from the no self-harm group included current depressive symptoms, nonheterosexual orientation, an eating disorder/extreme weight control behavior, and diagnosis of an internalizing disorder. Factors that distinguished the NSSI + SA group from the NSSI only group were current depressive symptoms and diagnosis of an internalizing disorder.

CONCLUSIONS

Students experiencing mental health problems demonstrate increased risk for NSSI and/or suicidal behavior.