Identification and Treatment of
NSSI Behaviors
in College Age Students
Kris Vandenberg DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Assistant Professor of Nursing
k.vandenberg@unf.edu
Objectives
Objective 1 :
Discuss definition of NSSI and prevalence among college age students
Objective 2 :
Identify assessment and interventional strategies when caring for
individuals experiencing NSSI
Objective 3 :
Describe affordable self injury prevention programs based on current
evidence based literature
References Available as Handout
Outline of Presentation
Introduction

Definition of NSSI

Incidence, Prevalence- College Age Students

Myths about NSSI. Reasons for self injury
Assessment of NSSI

Warning signs

Observation, what to look for

Communication, questions to ask
Intervention

Therapeutic Approaches

Pharmacotherapy
Conclusion
Question & Answer
Understanding
What is Self Injury (NSSI)?
What constitutes NSSI?
When, Where, How ?
NSSI- What and Why ?
Causing deliberate
harm to oneself
Not a suicide
attempt
An unhealthy
coping mechanism
What Constitutes NSSI?
Embedding
Why is this Important in College
Health?
College Age Student
Struggles of Students
Statistics- vary
Myths about Self Injury
Myth #1: Self Injury = Suicide
Myth #2: Self Injury = Attention-seeking
Myth #3: Self Injury= History of abuse
Assessment
Visualization
 Informal Discussions
 Formal Assessment
Visualization & Informal Discussions
Frequent Injuries
 Long pants/shirts
 Low self esteem
 Relationship problems
 Making poor grades
 Secretive behaviors
 Substance Abuse
 Social Isolation
 Signs of depression
Screening Tool
Year
Items
Description
Chronic Self-Destructiveness Scale (CSDS)
1985
73
Looks at impulsivity, high risk behaviors
Self- Harm Behavior Survey
1986
174
Self harm behaviors, feelings , functions
Self- Injury Survey
1994
31 +
Self injury & suicidal ideation
Functional Assessment of Self-Mutilation
1997
39
Self injury behaviors
Impulsive & Self Harm Questionnaire
1997
14
Self harm, suicidal ideation (Dissertation)
Self- Injurious Behavior Questionnaire (SIB-Q)
1997
25
Self injury among disabled. (Clinician)
Self- Injury Questionnaire (SIQ)
1997
54
Self Injury behaviors
Timed Self-Injurious Behavior Scale
1997
16
Self Injury among disabled
The Self-Harm Inventory (SHI)
1998
22
Self Injury & detect BPD
Self-Injury Questionnaire (SIQ)
1999
30
Self injury, history childhood trauma
Deliberate Self ham Inventory (DSHI)
2001
17
Destruction of body tissue
Non-Suicidal Self –Injury Assessment Tool (NSSI-AT)
2006
20
Self Injury (on-line )
Adolescent Risk Inventory
2007
33
High risk behaviors & attitudes
Self- Injurious Thoughts & Behavior Interview
2007
--
Structured interview/ Self injury
Smith, B.D. (2008)
Therapeutic Approaches
Recognize Biases
Teach Coping Skills
Supportive Listening
Referral -Counseling
Self Injury Log
Psychopharmacology
Self Injury – Programs/ Sites
Cornell Research Program on Self- Injurious
Behaviors
Safe Alternatives
First Signs (UK)
The Self-injury Foundation
Self Injury Awareness Day:
MARCH 1st - every year !
Their words…
Conclusion
Always ask about
NSSI
Therapeutic
Refer out
Teach coping
Watch for infection
Be aware of your own
bias !