A cross-sectional study comparing predictors of non-suicidal self-injury among college students in the United States and Greece

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to examine predictors of non-suicidal-self-injury (NSSI) including depression, stress, anxiety and suicidal behaviors (SIB) among students at two colleges in the USA and Greece. A convenience sample (N = 1062) was used along with the NSSI-Check List, SITBI, and DASS instruments. Significantly Greek (27%) reported higher rates of NSSI (p u003c .01) versus the United States students (17%). Greek students engaged in self-biting, carving, and insertion of glass objects (p u003c .01) at a higher rate than the USA students. A model to predict NSSI revealed Greek students who reported an absence of suicidal thoughts, being heterosexual, Christian, and under stress, were 76% more likely to engage in NSSI (p u003c .01). The USA students who reported an absence of suicidal thoughts and the presence of anxiety were 85% more likely to engage in NSSI (p u003c .01). Findings support the view that NSSI is a distinct phenomenon not necessarily related to suicidal behaviors and consistent with the NS...