Non Suicidal Self Injurious Behaviour among School going Adolescent Population - A Qualitative Study

Considering adolescence as a stage which is filled with turbulence, Non Suicidal Self Injurious Behaviours are eliciting increased attention and prime concern. Adolescences take refuge in NSSI to cope with distressing negative affective states especially when they are angry and depressed and mixed emotional status. NSSI is not just associated with physical injury but it is also an indicator of significant psychiatric issues. Objectives- To understand the pattern of NSSI, reasons for NSSI and to the situations that lead to NSSI. Methodology-The study was conducted in a selected Private school in Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu. The respondents were students studying 12th std. Explorative in nature and qualitative method is adapted. A self constructed questionnaire was used for screening followed by Semi structured Interview guide was followed. Data was collected through In Depth Interview. When the research felt that the information received has attained a saturated point the interviews were stopped.8 male and 8 female students Findings- The pattern of NSSI varied from making rapture of skin to burning. The intensity of NSSI was high among the girls. Holding on to hot objects, cutting and ingesting toxic substance was common among girls, hitting, banging, punching on walls and interfering with healing wounds were common among boys. Reasons being expression of sadness, dejection, anger and to get attention. Situations that lead to NSSI among girls were- when parents suspected them, when their close friends fought with them and when ignore by friend (male), when suspected by their male friend. Suggestions- schools teachers and colleges teachers needs to be sensitised about NSSI. The counsellors to be appointed to adhere to the needs of students. Life skills can be imparted to the students and programs to improve the coping skills is very essential.