Self-Injurious Behavior in Community Youth.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Adolescent Health
• Mental Health

Background:

• Increasing rates of self-injurious behavior (SIB) among Korean adolescents.
• Social media's role in the spread of SIB.
• Need to understand characteristics and psychological factors of SIB in this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the prevalence and characteristics of SIB among Korean adolescents.
• Identify psychological factors (depression, anxiety, self-esteem) associated with SIB.
• Explore risk factors predicting SIB using logistic regression.

Main Methods:

• Nationwide questionnaire survey administered to 516 elementary and middle school students.
• Assessment of SIB prevalence, characteristics, depression (Children's Depression Inventory - CDI), anxiety (Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale - RCMAS), and self-esteem.
• Logistic regression analysis to identify predictors of SIB.

Main Results:

• 166 participants (32.2%) reported SIB, with higher prevalence in females.
• Common SIB methods included biting, hair pulling, and hitting; "cutting or carving" also reported.
• Negative self-image (CDI) and anxiety sub-factors (oversensitivity, physical/sleep problems - RCMAS) significantly predicted SIB.

Conclusions:

• Female adolescents and those in local communities show higher rates of SIB, particularly milder forms.
• Early screening and intervention focusing on self-image and emotional stability are crucial for preventing adolescent self-harm.
• Psychological factors like depression and anxiety are key targets for intervention strategies.