Non-suicidal Self-Injury Among Adolescents From Diverse Ethnocultural Groups in Israel: The Association With Sleep Problems and Internet Addiction

ObjectivesAlthough Non-suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) has received more attention in recent years, most of these studies focused on samples from North American and European countries; consequently, little is known about its patterns and frequency in other cultures as well as its relation to sleep problems and internet addiction. As one of the few studies that aim to fill this gap, the current study examined the prevalence, characteristics, and types of NSSI behaviors among adolescents from diverse ethnocultural groups. MethodsA sample of 642 adolescents, aged 12-18 years, were randomly recruited from different middle and high schools in Israel, employing a snowball sampling technique. The sample included the following: 50% Jews and 34.7% Muslims born in Israel, 9.7% immigrants from the former Soviet Union (FSU), and 4.4% immigrants from Ethiopia. The participants completed self-report questionnaires that assessed their NSSI, sleep problems, internet addictions, and depressive symptoms. ResultsAlmost one-third of the sample had engaged in NSSI, while 6% frequently injured themselves. More than half of the FSU immigrants and one-third of the Muslim participants indicated that they engaged in NSSI. These two population groups also exhibited severe depressive symptoms, sleep problems, and internet addictions. The most parsimonious correlations with NSSI included being male, an immigrant/Muslim minority who exhibited severe depressive symptoms and internet addictions. ConclusionsThese results emphasize the need for routine NSSI assessments to prevent long-term sequelae, including any forms of suicidal thoughts and behaviors and adult borderline personality disorder (BPD). Primary preventive programs that include adaptive coping skills may eliminate the social contagion effect of NSSI.

Automated summary

Although Non-suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) has received more attention in recent years, most of these studies focused on samples from North American and European countries; consequently, little is known about its patterns and frequency in other cultures as well as its relation to sleep problems and internet addiction. This study aimed to fill this gap by examining the prevalence, characteristics, and types of NSSI behaviors among adolescents from diverse ethnocultural groups in Israel. The results showed that almost one-third of the sample had engaged in NSSI, with 6% frequently injuring themselves. Furthermore, FSU immigrants and Muslim participants showed higher rates of NSSI, as well as severe depressive symptoms, sleep problems, and internet addictions. Being male, an immigrant/Muslim minority with severe depressive symptoms and internet addictions were found to be significantly correlated with NSSI. These findings highlight the importance of routine NSSI assessments and primary preventive programs to prevent long-term sequelae and social contagion effects.