Participants' Experiences of Non-suicidal Self-Injury: Supporting Existing Theory and Emerging Conceptual Pathways

Due to the increase in prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury, various models of self-injury have been proposed. Researchers have found empirical support for components of these models but have not explored the models in their entirety, nor supported them through the voices of participants. Eighty-eight participants' experiences of non-suicidal self-injury were explored in the current study, providing support for the existing models of self-injury by Nock and Chapman and colleagues, as well as support for Joiner's (2005) suggestion that self-injury can desensitize individuals to suicide. However, through content analysis and correlations, new categories emerged from participants' stories that have not been included in previous models, as well as suggested pathways within the existing models. Implications for counselors are proposed