Abstract
It is concerning that nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a widespread behaviour among young persons. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between NSSI and interpersonal needs in a sample of young adults in the Free State Province and to consider age and gender differences. Nock and Prinstein’s four-function model of NSSI and the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPTS) by Joiner were adopted in this study to understand how interpersonal needs contribute to self-harming behaviour. Joiner’s IPTS posits that the existence of two interpersonal needs constructs viz. thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness leads to suicide ideation. Combined with acquired capability for suicide, suicide ideation can lead to a serious suicide attempt. The four function model of NSSI which has been developed by Nock and Prinstein posits that NSSI is harmful behaviour that serves intrapersonal (i.e. affect regulation) and interpersonal (i.e. help-seeking) functions. A quantitative research design with a convenience sampling method was used. A total of 181 young adults from a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college in the Free State Province constituted the sample. Chi-Square ANOVA, MANOVA and correlation analyses were undertaken. In addition, a binary logistic regression analysis was performed. The study’s findings revealed a significant relationship between the presence of thwarted belongingness and NSSI occurrence in the sample of young adults. The implications of the findings are discussed.
M.A. (Clinical Social Work)