The parent-child dyad and other family factors associated with youth nonsuicidal self-injury

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a significant public health concern with clear negative consequences for the individual and their families. NSSI is most prevalent during adolescence-a developmental period during which youth navigate normative interpersonal stressors and developmental challenges. Although elevated rates of NSSI during adolescence'are likely due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and contextual factors, this chapter focuses specifically on the influence of parents and the parent-child relationship on risk. To this end, we outline relevant theoretical frameworks in the context of developmental trajectories of NSSI. We review risk factors involving parents and the parent-child dyad, including parent-related factors that perpetuate risk in the context of parental awareness or youth disclosure of NSSI. We discuss protective factors within the parent-child dyad that reduce risk for youth NSSI, and provide an overview of interventions for youth NSSI that involve strong parental components, including parent training and parent education programs.