Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents: A Systematic Review on Prevention and Intervention Programmes

Abstract

Background

Non-suicidal self-injury can be defined as self-inflicted behaviour that involves the direct and deliberate destruction of one's own body tissue without suicidal intent. In recent years, scientific evidence has shown a significant increase in the prevalence rates of non-suicidal self-injury among the adolescent population.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine the existing psychotherapeutic interventions and prevention programmes available for addressing non-suicidal self-injury in the adolescent population.

Data Sources

A systematic review of the literature was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. This review was not prospectively registered in PROSPERO. However, it was conducted in accordance with established methodological frameworks, including PRISMA and STROBE. Detailed reporting of the methods enhances transparency and supports replicability. The review included observational studies published between 2013 and 2023. The databases consulted were PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS and Web of Science. Out of 1343 initial records, 13 studies met the inclusion criteria.

Conclusions

The results indicated that interventions such as the peer-to-peer prevention programme and Happyles programmes significantly reduced non-suicidal self-injurious behaviours and improved emotional regulation. Effective components of the interventions included self-help kits with sensory regulation tools. The main risk factors identified included poor sleep quality, lack of parental support and adverse childhood experiences. Despite the growing concern about this phenomenon, there is little information on specific interventions targeting self-injurious behaviours, or on preventive programmes.

Implications for Practice

The findings from this study offer guidance to enhance nursing competencies in the early identification, risk assessment, and therapeutic management of non-suicidal self-injury among adolescents. Specifically, the results support the integration of evidence-based interventions such as emotional regulation training, mindfulness techniques, and psychoeducation into nursing practice. Moreover, this knowledge can inform the development of school-based prevention programmes led by community nurses and targeted interventions by mental health nurses, aimed at reducing the incidence and recurrence of non-suicidal self-injury behaviours.