Addressing Nonsuicidal Self-injury in Schools

Summary

The aim of this study is to study the effectiveness of a whole-school approach that addresses non-suicidal self-injury and targets adolescents, parents and teachers. Whether training and interventions can influence NSSI will be examined. Furthermore, investigations will be conducted to examine whether this whole-school approach can reduce symptoms of mental health problems in adolescents, reduce stigma och increase help-seeking and perception of social support. Using a clustered waitlist control design, six lower secondary schools were randomized to either intervention or waitlist during four months (control groups were then given the intervention). Measures of NSSI, suicidality, mental well-being, stigma, attitudes, help-seeking and perceived social support were administered at baseline, after the intervention and at 6, 12 and 18-months follow-up. Two hundred and sixty-seven adolescents in seventh and eight grade participated in the study (135 active group and 132 control group). The interventions were delivered during four months. For adolescents, interventions were delivered in the class room and consisted of five sessions of the Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) program and one additional session focusing specifically on knowledge, stigma and attitudes toward NSSI (KRAS). Parents were offered an online psychoeducation on NSSI, as were all school staff during this time period. School health care personnel, nurses, psychologist and counsellors and other school staff, such as teachers' aids, support staff and mentors took part in a 2-day workshop on NSSI and suicidality.

Conditions

• Nonsuicidal Self-injury
• Suicidal Ideation
• Stigmatization
• Help-Seeking Behavior
• Perceived Social Support
• Mental Well-being

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Addressing NSSI in schools

During the four months of active experimental condition, adolescents receive five sessions of the youth aware of mental health program in the class room, and one additional session on NSSI. Parents and school staff receive an online psychoeducation on NSSI. School health care personnel receive a 2-day workshop on NSSI and suicidality.

OTHER

Control condition

Participating adolescents, parents, teachers and health care personnel receive no intervention during four months

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Region Östergötland

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Maria A Zetterqvist, PhD · CSAN, BKV, Linköping university

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

13 Years

Max Age

15 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2022-01-10

Primary Completion

2023-06-12

Completion

2023-06-12

Countries

• Sweden

Study Locations