Gender Differences in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: Are They on the Verge of Leveling Off?

Aims: Traditionally, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is considered to be a mainly feminine phenomenon. The last decade, however, empirical reports of the gender ratio seem to vary extensively. In this study prevalence, gender ratio and methods of non-suicidal self-injury are assessed, and compared to the findings of contemporary literature. Methods: Prevalence and gender ratio were assessed by means of a self-report questionnaire during a mass screening of Belgian first-year psychology students. This screening was cross validated by means of the Self: Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview, for participants who engaged in NSSI more than once lifetime rate. This interview also assesses the age of onset of NSSI and the self-harming methods that were used. Results: No difference in prevalence or age of onset between genders was found. Differences in methods of NSSI were observed, but were smaller than expected. Possible explanations for the apparent disappearance of gender differences are discussed.