Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among young people—most notably in the form of forearm- or wrist-cutting—occurs across cultural groups, social strata, and developmental stages, puzzling and repelling adults. Youth engaging in NSSI behaviors are at a higher risk for suicidality as well as other mental health and academic problems. And because NSSI is often first noticed in the school setting (as is the case with many children’s disorders), school professionals are being encouraged to take a more proactive role in intervention.
The first book specifically geared toward education personnel, Identifying, Assessing, and Treating Self-Injury at School clearly defines NSSI, differentiating it from suicidal, borderline, and other behaviors and analyzing the psychological contexts in which it occurs. This school-based perspective gives readers a practical framework for earlier, more accurate diagnosis; relevant consulting with parents, teachers, and colleagues; and effective, science-based treatment.