Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: Examining Factors Across COVID-19 Wave One and Wave Two Among Clinically Referred Children and Youth
Abstract
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) includes injury to the body without the intention of causing death, such as burning and self-cutting. Few studies have assessed how the pandemic has impacted clinically referred children and youth, especially younger children due to NSSI onset typically occurring around 13-15 years of age. To address this gap in the literature, the present study used data from 3,042 clinically referred children and youth ages 8 to 18 who completed the interRAI ChYMH assessment. A cross-sectional design was used to assess NSSI and associated factors during the first two waves of the pandemic. The study found no significant change in the prevalence of NSSI during the first two waves of the pandemic. Similarly, associated factors did not significantly change; however, findings revealed a decrease in school disengagement in Wave Two compared to the equivalent period one year prior and Wave One. Implications for mental health practitioners are discussed.