Elsevier

Journal of Affective Disorders

Volume 227, February 2018, Pages 759-769
Journal of Affective Disorders

Review article
A meta-analysis of the prevalence of different functions of non-suicidal self-injury

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2017.11.073Get rights and content
Under a Creative Commons license
open access

Highlights

  • NSSI can have a wide range of underlying functions for the individual.

  • This is the first meta-analysis of the prevalence of the functions of NSSI.

  • Intrapersonal functions are more prevalent than interpersonal,

  • Functions concerning an escape/avoidance of internal states are particularly common.

  • Interpersonal functions are also endorsed by a substantial proportion of people.

Abstract

Background

A broad variety of different functions can underlie acts of Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Whilst research so far has identified many of the commonly reported functions, no reliable estimates of prevalence currently exist for these different NSSI functions. Understanding the prevalence of NSSI functions represents a key to better understanding the phenomenology of NSSI and addressing the differing needs of the NSSI population. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of NSSI functions in community and clinical samples.

Method

A literature search of electronic databases PsycINFO, Medline, and Web of Science from date of inception to March 2017 was undertaken. A pre-specified framework for categorising different functions of NSSI was used to collate data from across studies. A random-effects meta-analysis of prevalence was then undertaken on these data.

Results

Intrapersonal functions (66–81%), and especially those concerning emotion regulation were most commonly reported by individuals who engage in NSSI (63–78%). Interpersonal functions (e.g., expressing distress) were less common (33–56%).

Limitations

The review was limited to English-language articles. Reviewed articles were inconsistent in their measurement of NSSI. Inconsistency within pooled prevalence estimates was high when moderators were not accounted for.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that intrapersonal functions of NSSI are most common and are present for the majority of participants. This finding supports dominant emotion-regulation models of NSSI, and the use of interventions that work to improve emotion-regulation ability. However, interpersonal functions remain endorsed by a substantial portion of participants.

Keywords

Non-suicidal self-injury
Functions
Motives
Review
Meta-analysis

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