Understanding the Social Context of NSSI

Abstract This chapter assesses recent research examining social and interpersonal factors in relation to nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), with a focus on peer relationships and peer influence processes, particularly among adolescents. It begins by discussing several domains of peer-related experiences that have been shown to cross-sectionally or longitudinally predict NSSI engagement in adolescents. These include romantic relationships, peer friendships, and experiences of peer victimization. The chapter then reviews emerging work on biophysiological responses to socially themed stress that may characterize those who engage in NSSI, and which may shed light on intraindividual mechanisms linking peer-related experiences of stress and NSSI. It also considers how exposure to others’ engagement in NSSI, particularly in peer networks, may be a potent environmental-level factor within adolescents’ social milieu that may moderate risk for NSSI. Finally, the chapter describes social—including family, peer, and romantic partner—protective factors, with important clinical implications for prevention and treatment of NSSI.