Self-reported nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and sex as self-injury (SASI): Relationship to abuse, risk behaviors, trauma symptoms, self-esteem and attachment

Psychiatry Research
Maria ZetterqvistLinda Sofia Jonsson

Abstract

This study focuses on a conceptually unexplored behavior among adolescents who report deliberately using sex as a means of self-injury. In a large high school-based sample (n = 5743), adolescents who engaged in sex as self-injury (SASI, n = 43) were compared to adolescents who reported direct nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI, n = 933) and those who reported both NSSI and SASI (n = 82). Results showed that significantly more adolescents with SASI had experience of penetrating sexual abuse, as well as more sexual partners compared to those with NSSI. The SASI group also had higher levels of self-reported trauma symptoms, such as dissociation, posttraumatic stress and sexual concerns compared to those with NSSI, suggesting a distinct relationship between sexual abuse, trauma symptoms and engaging in sex as self-injury. There was no difference between the SASI and NSSI groups regarding experiences of emotional and physical abuse, self-esteem, parental care or overprotection or symptoms of depression, anxiety and anger. Adolescents who engaged in both NSSI + SASI stood out as a more severe and burdened group, with more experience of abuse, risk behaviors and impaired psychosocial health. Adolescents with traumatic experiences such as s...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jan 29, 2019·Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy·Emma ČernisMyra Cooper
Nov 15, 2019·Journal of Sex Research·Cecilia FredlundLinda S Jonsson
Aug 12, 2020·Archives of Suicide Research : Official Journal of the International Academy for Suicide Research·Jennifer WooG Camelia Adams
Oct 29, 2020·Archives of Suicide Research : Official Journal of the International Academy for Suicide Research·Mikhail ZinchukAlla Guekht

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