Family functioning of adolescents with nonsuicidal self-injury

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the features of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors, family functioning and parental well-being in adolescents with NSSI referred to child and adolescent psychiatry department and also in order to detect if there is an association between the act of NSSI and the issues above mentioned. Method: Thirty seven cases with NSSI in the last year and their 51 parents and 31 controls with any psychopathology and their 47 parents referred to child and adolescents psychiatry clinic were included. The Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) and Mc Master Family Assessment Device (FAD) were applied to all adolescents who admitted to the study, and FAD and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) were applied to their parents. Results: Cutting was the most common self harm method. The adolescents with NSSI and their parents had greater scores in Mc Master Family Assessment Device subscales by pointing the limitations in functioning. The parents of adolescents with NSSI had greater ratio 2 and upper scores in GHQ-12. Discussion: It was found that family functioning of adolescents with NSSI was poorer, there was a significant association between NSSI and family functioning and parents of adolescents with NSSI had more risks in mental health disorders. It is important to interview with parents of adolescents with NSSI about family functioning problems and to support parental well-being.