Factors associated with informal and formal help-seeking among Asian adolescents with nonsuicidal self-injury

• Published in: Clinical child psychology and psychiatry 2024-10, Vol.29 (4), p.1296-1317
• Main Authors: Hiew, Yvette, Powell, Nina Laurel, Wong, Qiu Yan, Fong, Zhi Hui, Fong, Ying Jie, Chee, Tji Tjian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior - psychology; Adolescents; Authoritative parenting; Caregivers; Female; Gender; Help seeking behavior; Humans; Inpatient care; Male; Mental disorders; Outpatient clinics; Parenting - psychology; Parenting style; Parents & parenting; Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Prevention programs; Psychiatric hospitals; Self destructive behavior; Self injury; Self report; Self-Injurious Behavior; Singapore; Teenagers; Treatment programs
• ISSN: 1359-1045; 1461-7021; 1461-7021
• DOI: 10.1177/13591045241241109

Although nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is prevalent among adolescents and is associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes, many adolescents with NSSI do not seek help. However, there is a lack of research on the factors that may increase the likelihood of help-seeking, especially within Asia. To address this gap, the present study examined whether certain factors were associated with informal and formal help-seeking – specifically gender, severity of NSSI, functions of NSSI and authoritative parenting. 121 adolescents (Mage = 16.2 years, 71.1% female) were recruited from specialist outpatient clinics and inpatient psychiatric wards from a public hospital in Singapore. One caregiver per adolescent was also recruited. Data from self-report questionnaires were analysed using logistics regression analyses. The results suggest that the severity of NSSI increases the likelihood of informal help-seeking, while adolescents who have parents with more authoritative parenting style are less likely to seek informal help. Gender and functions of NSSI were not found to be associated with help-seeking. The findings from this study can guide professionals in their efforts to encourage help-seeking within Asian populations, as well as inform prevention and treatment programs for Asian adolescents with NSSI. Plain language summary Factors that encourage Asian youths who self-harm to get help from non-professionals and professionals: There are many youths who engage in self-harm for reasons other than suicide. Although self-harm could lead to various negative outcomes, many youths do not seek help. However, not much is known about what encourages these youths to seek help from non-professionals (e.g., family, friends) and professionals (e.g., psychologists), especially within Asia. This paper looked at certain factors that may be linked to whether youths seek help – including gender, severity of self-harm, reasons for self-harm, and parenting style. Youths and caregivers were recruited from a public hospital in Singapore. The study found that youths with more severe self-harm are more likely to seek help from non-professionals, whereas youths with parents who are highly responsive and provide consistent discipline are less likely to seek help from non-professionals. None of the factors studied were relevant in whether youths sought help from professionals. The findings from this study can guide professionals to prevent and treat self-harm in Asia, as well as improv