What the study found
The study found three distinct patterns of anatomical location and visibility in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), which is self-injury without suicidal intent. The most concealed pattern was linked to greater intrapersonal functions and expectancies, while the most visible pattern was linked to higher NSSI frequency, broader bodily involvement, and stronger anti-suicide functions.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that their findings advance understanding of NSSI location and provide a theoretically meaningful way to describe anatomical location. They also suggest the results have clinical and theoretical relevance for assessing and intervening in NSSI.
What the researchers tested
The researchers analyzed online self-report data from 1,103 people with a lifetime history of NSSI. They used latent class analysis to group participants by anatomical location and visibility of NSSI, then used post hoc ANOVAs and chi-square tests to compare functional, cognitive, and behavioral features across groups.
What worked and what didn't
Three latent classes emerged: a most concealed group (32.6%), a most visible group (20.2%), and an intermediate group (47.2%). The concealed group showed the greatest endorsement of intrapersonal functions and expectancies; the visible group did not show stronger interpersonal functions, but did show greater NSSI frequency, broader bodily involvement, and stronger anti-suicide functions. The intermediate group fell between the other two on probabilities of NSSI and visibility.
What to keep in mind
The abstract describes an online self-report study, so the findings are based on participant reports rather than direct observation. The summary does not describe other limitations.
Key points
- Three distinct NSSI location-and-visibility groups were identified.
- The most concealed group showed the strongest intrapersonal functions and expectancies.
- The most visible group was linked to higher NSSI frequency, broader bodily involvement, and stronger anti-suicide functions.
- The visible group was not associated with stronger interpersonal functions.
- The intermediate group had probabilities of NSSI and visibility between the other two groups.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- NSSI location patterns differ by visibility and function
- Authors:
- Katrina Hon, Mark Boyes, Takeshi Hamamura, Eric Lim, P. Lewis Stephen, Penelope Hasking
- Institutions:
- Curtin University, Curtin University, Curtin University, Curtin University, Murdoch University, University of Guelph
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-06
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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