Investigating the individual factors affecting the non-suicidal self-injury in adolescence: A qualitative study

The aim of this study was to investigate the individual factors affecting the non-suicidal self-injury in adolescence. The research method was qualitative and phenomenological type. The statistical population of the study was 13-5 year old girls of Shiraz in 2020 that experienced non-suicidal self-injury. The sampling method was non-probability purposive method and the sample size according to data saturation criteria was 20 adolescent girls aged 13 to 15 years who had experienced non-suicidal self-injury. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The data analysis process was performed in three coding steps (open, axial, selective) through which the main codes and categories were identified. The results of the study revealed that the individual factors affecting adolescents' self-harm are: thoughts (selfdissatisfaction, identity, religion), emotions (feeling lonely, feeling misunderstood, temporary mental discharge, depression, anger, anxiety, hatred and repression) and behaviors (styles of coping, attracting attention, manipulating). Among these factors, the role of emotions was substantial and fundamental. In general, the results obtained can help counselors in dealing with adolescents with nonsuicidal self-injury. Also, the results can be used in the development and implementation of new treatment plans.