Examining Predictors of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Reveals Across the First Year of University

The transition to university represents a novel social context for nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) experiences to be shared among emerging adults. However, longitudinal work on NSSI reveal experiences among young adults is scarce, precluding an understanding of factors that promote reveals and help-seeking. To address these gaps, predictors of NSSI reveals among 592 university students ( M age = 18.11, 72% female) with lifetime histories of NSSI were examined. Participants completed an online survey three times (3 months apart) over their first year of university. It was found that 50% of students reported an NSSI reveal at some point across their first year of university. Binary logistic regression analyses showed that students reporting greater NSSI lifetime severity at baseline were more likely to later report a voluntary disclosure, while students reporting greater depressive symptoms at baseline were more likely to later report an involuntary discovery. Findings inform NSSI response efforts on post-secondary campuses.