Examining Intent to Die and Methods for Nonsuicidal Self-Injury and Suicide Attempts

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is linked to suicidal behavior and future suicide attempts, but the process of NSSI-to-suicide attempts remains unclear. Additionally, little is known about how having a history of NSSI may relate to reports of intent to die during a suicide attempt. The current study examined methods of NSSI and suicide attempts, as well as intent to die, in a sample of 1,232 young adults, 54 of whom reported at least one suicide attempt. Cutting and overdose were the predominant methods of NSSI and suicide attempts, respectively, with the two often co-occurring. Individuals with both NSSI and suicide attempt history were significantly more likely to report an intent to die than those with suicide attempt history only.