Differential and common correlates of non-suicidal self-injury and alcohol use among community-based adolescents

Abstract

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and under-age alcohol use are dysfunctional coping behaviors used to alleviate negative feelings. However, little is known regarding what mechanisms lead to engagement in NSSI as opposed to alcohol use, or what might influence co-occurrence of these behaviors. A total of 2,590 secondary school students (aged 12-17) from five Australian states completed self-report questionnaires measuring NSSI, alcohol use and a range of sociodemographic and psychosocial factors. The findings suggest that adolescent engagement in NSSI is associated with more internal factors, such as psychological distress, poor coping and problem-solving skills, whereas alcohol use is associated with age and gender, as well as more external factors, such as social support and coping by turning to others. Co-morbidity between alcohol use and NSSI is associated with a combination of these factors. Implications of these findings will be discussed with regard to prevention and early intervention initiatives.