Nonsuicidal self-injury behavior and internet use profile in undergraduate students: a cross-sectional study

The objective of the present study was to describe and analyze the characteristics of internet use in undergraduate students that engaged in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) compared with individuals not engaging in this behavior.

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted. The questionnaire used to investigate NSSI was devised based on the DSM5 diagnostic criteria. Internet use was investigated using 2 questionnaires: a questionnaire developed by the researchers; and the Portuguese version of the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Exploratory analysis of data was performed based on summary measures. Mann-Whitney and chi-square tests were employed, and multiple logistic regression models constructed with stepwise variable selection criteria. A 5% level of significance was adopted.

Data on 6,906 university students were analyzed, 1,188 (17%) of whom reported at least one NSSI episode in their lifetime. The group engaging in self-injurious behavior showed a stronger association with more intense internet use than they would like and felt they related more with individuals online than in person. The group engaging in self-injurious behavior reported using the internet more often to meet new people for friendships and for erotic relationships and preferred the excitement of the internet to intimacy with a partner.

The feeling of loneliness linked to self-injurious behavior might contribute to self-injurers seeking relationships online. Also, the anonymous nature of online interactions may constitute an attractive environment for expressing psychological anguish and other emotional problems. As a study limitation, this is a cross-sectional design in which associations are identified, but risk factors cannot be established.