Examining the disclosure of nonsuicidal self-injury to informal and formal sources: A review of the literature

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a widespread mental health concern among adolescents and young adults. Despite the high rates of NSSI, emerging research suggests that many individuals may conceal the behavior from others, given the stigma around the behavior. Understanding the factors that promote or hinder disclosure, as well as the nature of NSSI disclosure experiences, is important, as positive disclosure experiences may foster social connectedness, promote formal help-seeking, and ultimately serve to reduce NSSI engagement. To consolidate the existing literature and inform best practices for responding to NSSI disclosures, an electronic review of the literature on NSSI disclosure was conducted using PsycINFO, PsycArticles, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Forty-one studies that met search inclusion criteria were identified. In the current review, rates of NSSI disclosures across different populations and to different confidantes are summarized, and potential facilitators and barriers for disclosure are considered. In addition, functions, impacts, and outcomes of NSSI disclosures to different confidantes are discussed. Following the review of the literature, limitations of the existing literature and recommendations for future research in the area of NSSI disclosure are presented. We conclude with a brief summary of best practices for responding to NSSI disclosures.