Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents: Addressing the Function and the Family From the Perspective of Systemic Family Therapies |
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| Authors: | Courtney L Miner Song E Paik |
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| Institution: | Couple and Family Therapy Center, Purdue University Calumet, Hammond, Indiana, USA |
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| Abstract: | Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescence has been increasing steadily over the past several decades. Mental health professionals frequently address NSSI solely within an individual context. Behaviorally focused therapy is the norm for treating NSSI in adolescents, but existence of the behavior as a larger manifestation of structural family problems is missing from this modality of therapy. Although short-term outcomes display a reduction or cessation of NSSI, long-term efficacy is still not proven for behaviorally focused therapies. Addressing the function of NSSI in a family context will help shift the perspective of clinicians from behavioral, individual therapy to structural family therapy. |
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