Impact of social media on triggering nonsuicidal self-injury in adolescents: a comparative ambulatory assessment study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a prevalent and concerning behavior among adolescents, often triggered by negative interpersonal events. As social media is essential in the daily life of adolescents, gaining a better understanding of the impact of negative online events on NSSI urges and behaviors, distinct from that of real-life events, is warranted.

Methods

We recruited 25 adolescents with a history of NSSI and 25 healthy controls. Participants reported on their stress, affect, and NSSI urges four times daily over seven days using ambulatory assessment. We examined the immediate effects of negative events in real-life and on social media on these psychological outcomes.

Results

In adolescents who engage in NSSI, negative events on social media were posi

SUBMITTER: Goreis A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11786379 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature