International prevalence of adolescent non-suicidal self-injury and deliberate self-harm

TLDR

Non‑suicidal self‑injury and deliberate self‑harm are common among adolescents, with recent reports suggesting rising rates, yet inconsistent assessment methods hinder cross‑cultural comparisons. This systematic review aimed to synthesize global prevalence estimates of NSSI and DSH among adolescents from 2005 to 2011. The authors identified 52 empirical studies meeting inclusion criteria and extracted prevalence data for analysis. Across 52 studies, NSSI and DSH prevalence were comparable (≈18 % and 16 %, respectively), with no significant differences, and prevalence rates have remained stable over the past five years, partly due to lower rates reported with single‑item questions.

Abstract

The behaviours of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and deliberate self-harm (DSH) are prevalent among adolescents, and an increase of rates in recent years has been postulated. There is a lack of studies to support this postulation, and comparing prevalence across studies and nations is complicated due to substantial differences in the methodology and nomenclature of existing research.We conducted a systematic review of current (2005 - 2011) empirical studies reporting on the prevalence of NSSI and DSH in adolescent samples across the globe.Fifty-two studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were obtained for analysis. No statistically significant differences were found between NSSI (18.0% SD = 7.3) and DSH (16.1% SD = 11.6) studies. Assessment using single item questions led to lower prevalence rates than assessment with specific behaviour checklists. Mean prevalence rates have not increased in the past five years, suggesting stabilization.NSSI and DSH have a comparable prevalence in studies with adolescents from different countries. The field would benefit from adopting a common approach to assessment to aide cross-cultural study and comparisons.