A Double‐Edged Sword: A Review of Benefits and Risks of Online Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury Activities. Issue 3 (27th November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lewis, Stephen P.; Seko, Yukari
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical psychology. Volume 72:Issue 3(2016:Mar.)
• Page Start: 249
• Page End: 262
• Publication Date: 2015-11-27
• Subjects: nonsuicidal self‐injury -- self‐injurious behavior -- Internet -- risks -- benefits -- review; Psychology -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22242
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9762

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: This review aimed to synthesize current evidence on the perceived benefits and risks of online activity pertinent to nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI). Method: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify peer‐reviewed articles, which yielded a total of 27 articles published between 2005 and 2015. Following this, a thematic analysis was employed to identify perceived benefits and risks of online NSSI activity. Results: Our thematic analysis identified 4 potential benefits (mitigation of social isolation, recovery encouragement, emotional self‐disclosure, curbing NSSI urges) and 3 potential risks (NSSI reinforcement, triggering NSSI urges, stigmatization of NSSI) associated with online NSSI activities. Conclusion: Given the double‐edged effect of online NSSI activities, clinicians may benefit from incorporating clients' online NSSI activity in the context of NSSI assessment and treatment. Future research ought to directly examine the link between online NSSI activity and NSSI behavior to better understand the nature of these benefits and risks.