Abstract
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a growing concern among professionals working with youth. The present study investigated the self-reported confidence, knowledge, and attitudes regarding NSSI among 155 high school teachers (51 men, 104 women). More than half of the teachers (60%) responded that they found the idea of NSSI “horrifying.” When asked about their own levels of confidence in dealing with NSSI, 67% said that they would feel comfortable if a student spoke to them about NSSI; however, only 43% felt knowledgeable about this behavior. Years of teaching experience was found to be positively associated with disagreement that individuals who self-injure are manipulative. Male teachers reported more negative attitudes than female teachers. Implications for school mental health professionals are discussed.
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Heath, N.L., Toste, J.R., Sornberger, M.J. et al. Teachers’ Perceptions of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in the Schools. School Mental Health 3, 35–43 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-010-9043-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12310-010-9043-4