Evidence-based information

Organizations

The International Society for the Study of Self-Injury (ISSS)

“The mission of the International Society for the Study of Self-Injury (ISSS) and its members is to promote the understanding, prevention, and treatment of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Experienced clinicians, expert researchers, and passionate community members, dedicated to advancing the research and treatment of Nonsuicidal Self Injury.”

The Cornell Research Program on Self-Injury and Recovery (CRPSIR)

“The Cornell Research Program on Self-Injury and Recovery was launched in 2003 to understand what was then widely believed to be a new and emerging behavior among youth and adults. Since that time we have conducted multiple studies on a wide variety of topics and have begun the process of translating what we and others have learned into user friendly materials for individuals who injure as well as those who live with, care about, and work with them.”

Books and articles

Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

By E. David Klonsky, Jennifer J. Muehlenkamp, Stephen P. Lewis, Barent Walsh Hogrefe Publishing (Advances in Psychotherapy – Evidence-Based Practice vol 22), 2011.

“This accessible and practical book provides therapists and students with a clear understanding of key issues, as well as suitable assessment techniques and treatment approaches.”

The truth about self-harm (Mental Health Foundation)

“This booklet aims to help you understand more about self-harm and what to do if you are worried about yourself or someone else. It explains what self-harm is, what to do if you or someone you know is self-harming, and how to get help.”

Self-Injury – A General Information Guide (Self-injury Outreach & Support)

Downloadable guide and web articles

Podcast

The Psychology of Self-injury

Available on most streaming platforms!

“Why do people self-injure? And what is the best way to respond when someone tells us they self-injure? Clinical psychologist Dr. Nicholas Westers of the International Society for the Study of Self-Injury (ISSS) interviews the leading experts in the field of self-injury as well as individuals with lived experience of self-injury and parents and family members of those who have self-injured. This podcast is meant to be a resource for parents, professionals, and people with lived experience.”

Recommendations

Media Guidelines for the Responsible Reporting & Depicting of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (International Society for the Study of Self-Injury)

Evidence-based recommendations for management of self harm and suicide in non-specialized health settings (World Health Organization)