NON-SUICIDAL SELF-INJURY IN ITALIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS: 5 CASE REPORTS.

Abstract

By definition, adolescence is an age of transition, full of numerous small and major crises. Over the past few years, various data underscore the prominence of adolescent distress. In some cases, the malaise manifests through acting out and self-destructive behaviours. During adolescence, young people may experience a range of physical, emotional and social changes that can increase the risk of non-suicidal self-injury. Non-suicidal self-injury is a complex behaviour of intentionally inflicting pain or injury on oneself, frequently as mechanism to handle stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions. The scientific literature on self-injury is complex and multifactorial, encompassing several psychological, social, and biological factors. This paper describes the risk factors, the prevalence of the phenomenon, and its potential psychological meanings. Furthermore, 5 case reports are presented, involving female adolescents aged 15 to 18 who exhibit non-suicidal self-injury. Anamnestic data and each adolescent's own life history were collected through in-person and online interviews in school-based listening services. Non-suicidal self-injury is a significant problem which requires an integrated prevention approach among the various stakeholders in the school system. Network synergy between school, family and social workers is crucial in order to promote the adolescent well-being.