Understanding and working with Non-suicidal Self-Injury in Young People - Virtual (1)

Why do young people self-injure? The urge to cut, scratch, rub, tear and burn our skin seems in direct contrast to our innate instincts of self-preservation and survival. Yet, nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a significant physical and mental health concern affecting adolescents. In 2020 – 2022, an estimated 8.7% of Australians aged 16 to 85 years had engaged in NSSI across their lifetime (Australian bureau of statistics, 2023). NSSI is highly confronting and distressing to family, friends, and educators. The behaviour or its consequences results in significant personal costs, such as permanent physical scarring, significant distress, interference with interpersonal relationships, and academic and social impacts at school.

This full day workshop will focus on practical information and skills tailored for managing nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) that can readily be applied in your work with young people. Drawing from the latest research, including Dr Wishart’s PhD on NSSI, the workshop provides a comprehensive profile of NSSI, including differentiating NSSI from suicide; a concrete operational definition of the behaviour; identification of those at greater risk of NSSI. A significant component of the workshop is dedicated to strategies that can be employed to help decrease self-injurious behaviours. Additionally, it covers the management of NSSI within family, school, or other contexts; managing the environmental effects of NSSI amongst young people; and duty of care responsibilities.

See Propsych for full workshop outline, learning outcomes, and registration