Research On The Development Of A Measurement Tool For Non-suicidal Self-harm Ideation In Chinese Adolescent

Non-suicidal self-injury(NSSI)has become a worldwide public health problem,especially with the outbreak of COVID-19.Its incidence has increased significantly.NSSI ideation plays a critical role in the generation of NSSI behavior.However,current research on NSSI ideation is still lack of unified measurement standards and effective measurement tools.This study focus on Chinese teenagers,conducts qualitative research on NSSI ideation through 14 one-to-one semi-structured interviews,and constructs a NSSI ideation development model with the help of rooted theory.On this basis,a NSSI measurement tool for Chinese adolescents was developed,and 556 valid questionnaires were collected for Chinese adolescents aged 10 to19.The results of qualitative research show that:(1)before the occurrence of the first NSSI behavior,the NSSI ideation may exist for a long time;(2)the formation of NSSI ideation is related to interpersonal problems,psychological pain,self-injury behavior contact,low self-evaluation,academic stress,ruminating and other factors;(3)the situation of NSSI ideation formation in the later stage occurs in more contexts gradually.(4)The development process of NSSI ideas is affected by hinders such as interpersonal support,social norms,wound fear,positive self and other factors,positive experience,behavioral addiction,worsening life and other maintenance factors.The results of the questionnaire show that:(1)the formal questionnaire should include two subscales of idea formation and idea degree,in which the idea formation scale includes four dimensions: environmental contact,wound fear,positive self-belief and interpersonal support.The ideation degree scale includes four dimensions:situational generalization,positive NSSI experience,internal hindrance and behavioral identity.(2)the two subscales have good reliability and validity.Based on this,the following recommendations are provided for mental health work with Chinese adolescents:(1)try to intervene before the initial occurrence of NSSI behaviors;(2)try to intervene within one year of the initial occurrence of NSSI ideation;(3)establish three major lines of safety for preventing NSSI in adolescents by strengthening social norm,providing interpersonal relationship support,and enhancing positive self-beliefs in adolescents;(4)focus on interpersonal problems and psychological distress of adolescents to prevent NSSI ideation from the source.