Self-injury, also known as non-suicidal self-harm, is a complex behavior that has become more common in the adolescent population in recent decades. This phenomenon, which involves deliberately damaging one's own body without suicidal intent, can manifest itself in various ways, such as cutting, burning, hitting or scratching the skin. Understanding the variables that influence self-harm in adolescents is crucial to effectively address this problem and provide appropriate support to those who need it.
Factors of risk and protectors in self-harm
Self-harm in adolescents can be influenced by a wide range of factors, both internal and external. It is important to consider both risk factors and protective factors to better understand this behavior and design appropriate interventions.
Risk factors
Among the most common risk factors in adolescent self-harm are found:
- Mental health problems: Adolescents who suffer from disorders such as depression, anxiety or borderline personality disorder are at greater risk of self-harm. These conditions can generate intense emotional distress that leads to seeking relief through self-harm.
- Traumatic experiences: Adolescents who have experienced physical, sexual or emotional abuse, as well as Those who have experienced traumatic events are more likely to resort to self-harm as a coping mechanism.
- Self-esteem issues: Low self-esteem and poor body image can contribute to Adolescents self-harm as a way of expressing their internal discomfort and feeling control over their bodies.
- Social pressure: Pressure to fit into certain social groups, bullying or Discrimination can generate great stress in adolescents, which in turn can trigger self-harming behaviors.
Protective factors
On the other hand, there are protective factors that can help to reduce the likelihood that adolescents will resort to self-harm. Some of these factors include:
- Family and social support: Having a solid emotional support network, both in the family and in the social sphere, can act as a protective factor against self-harm. Feeling loved, understood and accompanied can help adolescents cope better with difficulties.
- Coping skills: Teach adolescents effective strategies to manage stress, regulate their emotions and Resolving conflicts in a healthy way can reduce the need to resort to self-harm as a coping mechanism.
- Access to mental health services: Have easy and adequate access to mental health services. Mental health, such as psychological or psychiatric therapy, can facilitate the early identification and treatment of possible underlying problems that could be leading to self-harm.
Influence of social networks and the media
In the digital age in which we live, social networks and the media play a significant role in the lives of adolescents and can influence their behaviors and emotions, including self-harm.
Social pressure and idealization
Social networks are usually a place where images of apparently perfect lives, idealized bodies and unattainable beauty standards are shared. This can generate pressure in adolescents to fit into these standards and constantly compare themselves with others, which can negatively affect their self-esteem and emotional well-being.
Contagion and normalization of self-harm
In addition, on some digital platforms you can find content that glorifies or normalizes self-harm, presenting it as a way of expressing intense emotions or belonging to certain groups. This exposure to harmful content can increase adolescents' vulnerability and encourage the emergence of self-harming behaviors.
Prevention and treatment strategies
To effectively address self-harm in adolescents, It is essential to implement prevention and treatment strategies that take into account the multiple variables that influence this problem. Some of the strategies that may be useful are:
Education and awareness
Inform adolescents, as well as their families and health professionals, about self-harm and its causes. and consequences, is key to the prevention and early detection of this behavior. Raising awareness in society at large about this issue can help reduce the stigma associated with self-harm and promote greater understanding and empathy.
Psychological and psychiatric intervention
Offer psychological and psychiatric interventions Specialized care for adolescents who self-harm is essential to address the underlying causes of this behavior and provide them with tools to cope with their emotions in a healthy way. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and family therapy are some of the therapeutic options that have been shown to be effective in the treatment of self-injury.
Restriction of access to harmful media
It is important that digital platforms and media adopt measures to limit the dissemination of content that glorifies self-harm or that may incite its practice. Implementing suicide prevention and mental health promotion policies online can help protect adolescents from exposure to harmful messages.
Conclusions
In summary, self-harm in Adolescents are a complex problem that requires a comprehensive approach that considers the different variables that influence this behavior. From risk factors such as mental health problems or traumatic experiences, to protective factors such as social support or coping skills, it is essential to address this issue from a holistic perspective that takes into account the individual, social and cultural dimensions.
In addition, in a digital environment where social networks and the media play a significant role, it is necessary to pay special attention to the influence they can have on adolescents and take measures to protect their emotional well-being. Promoting education, awareness and access to specialized interventions are some of the key strategies to prevent and treat self-harm in this vulnerable population.