Exploring the cessation process from adolescence to young adulthood in individuals with lived experience of nonsuicidal self‐injury

A qualitative study

Bibliographic Data

ID21444470
AuthorsHedvig Andersson (0009-0005-6416-5335, Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Linköping University Linköping Sweden, corresponding author), Laura Korhonen (0000-0002-1837-5930, Linköping University), Kristina Holmqvist Larsson (0000-0002-1312-5553, Linköping University), Berit M Gustafsson (0000-0003-1209-1475, Linköping University), Maria Zetterqvist (0000-0003-2465-8029, Linköping University)
Year2025
Volume97
Issue1
Pages263-277
Publication date2025-01-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Adolescence (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0140-1971 • E-ISSN: 1095-9254
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/jad.12417
PMID39358954
OpenAlexW4403082417
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited56

INTRODUCTION: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a common and concerning behavior in adolescents. However, most adolescents cease NSSI as they transition into adulthood. Increased knowledge of the cessation process is needed. This study aimed to qualitatively explore the factors contributing to NSSI cessation in individuals with lived experience of NSSI, providing valuable insights for treatment strategies. METHODS: Twenty-six individuals assigned female sex at birth, between ages 20-22 years, from Sweden were interviewed between 2021 and 2023 in Linköping, Sweden. Of these, 21 individuals perceived themselves as having ceased NSSI and were included in the analysis. Thematic analysis and Hooley and Franklins' Benefits and Barriers Model of NSSI were used to analyze the transcripts. RESULTS: Three overarching themes were generated: "Something inside me changed", "Something in my close relationships changed", and "Something in my life context changed". The cessation of NSSI was associated with several key factors. Improved well-being and envisioning a different future were pivotal in initiating the cessation process. Additionally, interpersonal relationships and support from others were interpreted as powerful motivators for change. Transitioning to a new social context and leaving behind a destructive environment provided opportunities for personal growth and enhanced well-being, interpreted as initiators in the participants' broader life context. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the complexity of the NSSI cessation process and highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of the underlying factors. Access to emotion regulation skills was perceived as a significant barrier to NSSI engagement. Clinical implications and different interventions to support NSSI cessation are discussed.

Developmental psychology · Injury prevention · Medical emergency · Occupational safety and health · Poison control · Qualitative research · Suicide prevention · Young adult · Clinical Psychology · Gun Ownership and Violence Research · Homicide, Infanticide, and Child Abuse · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Medicine · Psychology · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies

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