Characteristics and Functions of Suicde Attempts Versus Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Juvenile Confinement

Researchers and clinicians alike have struggled to define what differentiates suicidal from nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior (see Borrill et al., 2003; Fagan et al., 2010; McAllister, 2003; O'Carroll et al., 1996). This differentiation is even more challenging in incarcerated populations, as the self-injurious behaviors (SIBs) of this group frequently differ in situational context, incidence, intent, and environmental impact from that of nonincarcerated samples (Jeglic, Vanderhoff, & Donovick, 2005; Meuner & Sellborn, 2001). This study investigated the psychosocial history and psychological profile of juvenile delinquents in order to gain a better understanding of how the characteristics and functions of suicide attempts (SA) differ from that of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in juvenile confinement. Archival data was collected from the deidentified records of 438 adjudicated youth, no older than 21 years of age. For all juvenile delinquents with a reported incident of self-injury, the following archival data was available: a social summary detailing basic background information, an assessment of criminogenic risk (Comprehensive Risk/Needs Assessment), mental health screenings/psychological evaluations, incident reports, and a suicide risk assessment (Suicide Status Form). A cross-sectional methodology was employed and group membership was determined based on item responses relating to youths’ reported suicidal intent. Although both intent and lethality of SIBs were initially examined to guide the division of the sample into two groups, correlational analyses indicated that the majority of youth endorsing suicidal intent evidenced low lethality behaviors—a finding that is common among incarcerated populations (Albanese, 1983; Livingston, 1997; Power & Spencer, 1987; Wool & Dooley, 1987). Analyses further revealed that juveniles in the SA group were significantly more likely than their NSSI counterparts to use substances. Additionally, SA youth reported statistically higher ratings of psychological pain, stress, agitation, hopelessness, and self-hate, suggesting higher rates of distress and an elevated suicide risk. In contrast, NSSI and SA youth did not differ significantly across various demographic and psychosocial variables, including gender, race, and the experience of childhood sexual abuse. Overall, however, subtle differences between these two groups emerged, which warrant further consideration when developing treatment plans designed to target the underlying motivation behind these adolescents’ self-injury.Degree awarded: Ph.D. Psychology. The Catholic University of Americ