Unraveling non-suicidal self-injury: Understanding the behavioral dynamics of Filipino adolescents at risk of deliberate self-harm

The increasing number of adolescents at risk of non-suicidal self-injurious (NSSI) behaviors has caused concern among mental health professionals and researchers. Prior studies have revealed the classification, pervasiveness, correlates, forms, and functions of NSSI; however, the behavioral dynamics are still unexplored. In order to bridge this knowledge gap, a sequential-explanatory study was conducted to illustrate, describe, and understand the behavioral dynamics of Filipino adolescents at risk of NSSI. Fifty-one participants completed a battery of psychological tests to measure personality traits and five were interviewed. Results revealed that adolescents at risk for NSSI exhibited high levels of neuroticism and openness to experience but low levels of extraversion and conscientiousness. Borderline personality traits were also common among adolescents with NSSI as evidenced by high levels of impulsivity, affective instability, abandonment, and emptiness, but low levels of interpersonal relationships, and self-image. A model fit further signified that only neuroticism and borderline personality traits moderately influence NSSI. Additionally, from the rich and detailed interpretation of the interviews gathered in this study, an interesting description of behavior was identified which includes (a) disturbed, (b) diverted and (c) devitalized behavior. A descriptive circuitry model emerged illustrating the behavioral dynamics of adolescents engaging with NSSI as a product of the intersection of personality and behavior. © NAJP