(Dis)Connectedness: How Modern Social Relationships Relate to Non-Suicidal Self Injury in Youths

Non-suicidal self injury (NSSI) is a maladaptive coping skill which involves harm to oneself without suicidal intent. This behavior is most commonly seen in those between twelve and eighteen years old. Research on NSSI in teenagers often focuses on its associations with mental illness, creating a dearth of knowledge regarding environmental factors. However, at this age, social relationships are especially important and can have critical effects on youth behaviors. Therefore, the purpose of this thesis is to understand what social relationships have associations with NSSI in youths. Reviewing the existing literature studying youth social relationships and self harm reveals six possible risk factors and two protective factors. The psychosocial stressors include parental abuse, lack of parental support, peer victimization, peer influence, low peer support, and high peer support. The psychosocial supports are high parental support and extended supports. Additionally, an analysis of the internet’s effect on these relationships suggests that positive modern youth relationships are under increased strain and negative relationships are flourishing. Future research should study more inclusive samples and further investigate the internet’s influence on relationships. Treatments may improve by integrating parental figures and focusing on prevention with parenting classes