Variation in Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: Identification and Features of Latent Classes in a College Population of Emerging Adults

Prior studies of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) suggest the existence of multiple NSSI typologies. Using data from 2,101 university students, this study employed latent class analysis to investigate NSSI typologies. Results show a good fitting 3-class solution with distinct quantitative and qualitative differences. Class 1 was composed largely of women using 1 form to engage in superficial tissue damage with moderate (< 11) lifetime incidents. Class 2 was composed predominately of men using 1 to 3 forms to engage in self-battery and light tissue damage, with low (2-10) lifetime incidents. Class 3 was composed largely of women using more than 3 self-injury forms and engaging in behaviors with the potential for a high degree of tissue damage with moderate to high numbers of lifetime incidents. All 3 classes were at elevated risk for adverse conditions when compared to no-NSSI respondents. We conclude that NSSI typologies exist and may warrant differential clinical assessment and treatment.