Mobile Apps for Self-Injury: A Content Analysis

Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking
Aaron M Vieira, Stephen P Lewis

Abstract

A growing body of research points to the salience of the Internet and mobile material among individuals who self-injure. However, to date, no research has investigated the mobile apps related to nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Such information would clarify which apps may be useful for those who self-injure while highlighting whether app-related content warrants improvement. The current study examined the content and usability of NSSI apps available on the two largest app-related platforms (Google Play and iTunes). Using content analysis, apps were examined regarding their content (e.g., presence of NSSI myths and types of coping strategies) as well as usability (e.g., app performance). Results indicate that NSSI apps have varied content, with few developed by, or affiliated with, a trusted source (e.g., university). NSSI apps tend to not propagate NSSI myths that vary with respect to the quality of coping strategies offered. They also tend to be rated favorably in terms of their usability. Overall, the present findings add to the NSSI literature and highlight several implications and avenues for future work, which are discussed.

References

Mar 3, 2010·Annual Review of Clinical Psychology·Matthew K Nock
Feb 23, 2011·Pediatrics·Stephen P LewisRick Noble
Oct 26, 2011·Archives of Suicide Research : Official Journal of the International Academy for Suicide Research·Stephen P Lewis, Thomas G Baker
Apr 3, 2012·Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health·Jason J WashburnDelia Aldridge
Aug 3, 2012·Archives of Suicide Research : Official Journal of the International Academy for Suicide Research·Stephen P LewisMichelle A Messner
Apr 8, 2014·Journal of Health Psychology·Stephen P Lewis, Natalie J Michal
Jan 18, 2015·The Journal of Pediatrics·Stephen P Lewis, Nancy L Heath
Feb 18, 2015·JMIR MHealth and UHealth·Nelson ShenDavid Wiljer
Mar 3, 2015·The International Journal of Eating Disorders·Christopher G Fairburn, Emily R Rothwell
Mar 12, 2015·JMIR MHealth and UHealth·Stoyan R StoyanovMadhavan Mani
Nov 28, 2015·Journal of Clinical Psychology·Stephen P Lewis, Yukari Seko

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Jan 29, 2020·Journal of Mental Health·Evgenia StefanopoulouJan Larkin
May 1, 2021·Journal of Medical Internet Research·Bethany CliffePaul Stallard

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Software Mentioned

Google Play
iTunes
NSSI

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.