Self-Injury in Youth: The Essential Guide to Assessment and Intervention

Nixon, M. K., & Heath, N. L. (June, 2008). Self-Injury in Youth: The Essential Guide to Assessment and Intervention. New York: Routledge Press.

This text represents the first evidenced based multi-author, multi-discipline publication that aims at providing the most up to date information regarding understanding and treating self injury in youth. In addition to having authors who represent the leading researchers in the field, this volume offers those working with these youth practical and step wise approaches to assessment and intervention.

In addition, Chapter 15 is a Resource Guide for Working with Youth, listing articles, manuals, web resources and books about self-injury for professionals, families and youth themselves.

Visions – young people: self-injury

This journal includes articles by youth who self injury and families and shares their stories. Understanding the journey of others can sometimes be helpful in finding your own path or helping others who self injury. It also includes a summary of research and practical suggestions for professionals by clinicians and researchers. Young People: Self-injury, from self harm to self care, you can’t know if you don’t ask (Visions; BC’s Mental Health and Addictions Journal, Vol13 No.2, 2017)

About Self-Injury and Recovery

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is the deliberate, self-inflicted destruction of body tissue resulting in immediate damage, without suicidal intent and for purposes not culturally sanctioned.

• Detection, Intervention, & Treatment

Self-Injury Outreach and Support: A Guide for School Professionals

Contents include:

• Definition of non-suicidal self-injury
• Why students self-injure
• How do I know a student self-injures?
• First Response
• Referral Process
• School Response Protocol
• Other Considerations
• Do students stop self-injuring?
• References and Resources

NSSI in Schools: Developing and Implementing a School Protocol

Ottawa Self Injury Inventory (OSI)

This self report questionnaire has been used in youth in both outpatient and inpatient mental health settings to assess aspects of the behaviour.

Revised June 2015

Ottawa Self Injury Inventory-Functions
(OSI-F)

This is a much abbreviated version of the OSI that focuses solely on identifying functions of self-injury such as affect regulation, interpersonal influence, self punishment, sensation seeking, etc. These questions are part of the longer version of the OSI and are currently being evaluated.Revised June 2015

OSI Scoring Key

This scoring key is based on a factor analysis of the OSI in youth.

Self Assessment Sheet (SAS)

The Self Assessment Sheet (SAS) was developed to assess and follow over time self harm behaviour and associated issues.

The SAS:

1. Identifies possible triggers
2. Identifies cognitions associated with SI act
3. Rates intensity of emotional state using a likeart scale
4. Addresses any attempts to cope differently
5. Provides a self assessment rating scale re coping
6. Asks to youth to identify any consequences of their behaviour
7. Can be used as both an assessment tool and a means to monitor any use of different coping skills with treatment over time.

Revised 2012

2013

2015

2017