AUTHOR=Kruzan Kaylee P. , Washburn Jason J. , Aaby David , Nguyen Theresa , Mohr David C. 

TITLE=Subgroups of non-suicidal self-injury in a large diverse sample of online help-seekers

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychiatry

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1513685

DOI=10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1513685

ISSN=1664-0640

ABSTRACT=IntroductionMany young people access information and resources for nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) online; yet our understanding of who accesses such information is limited. NSSI is a behavior with varied presentations. Understanding heterogeneity can help guide person-centered intervention. The present study aimed to (1) empirically identify classes of individuals with NSSI and (2) compare the classes according to demographic and clinical characteristics.MethodsData were collected from a survey posted to a national advocacy group website. Latent class analysis was used to derive classes based on characteristics associated with NSSI severity. Relationships between the latent classes and variables along five dimensions (behavior change, consequences or life interference, expectancies, functions, and NSSI across lifetime) were explored via logistic regression models.Results11,262 individuals reporting past month NSSI were included in analyses. The 4-class model provided the most clinically interpretable groups. Class 1 was the smallest (16.8%), scored highest on all items and reported the youngest age of onset. Class 3 was the largest (31.8%), scored lowest on all items and reported the latest age of onset. Classes 2 (29.3%) and 4 (22.2%) had moderate scores on most items and differed in levels of suicidal ideation.ConclusionClasses presented with more severe symptoms than what is typical in samples in extant literature underscoring the importance of tailoring interventions for dissemination in online contexts.