Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
NSSI refers to the deliberate, self-inflicted damage of body tissue without suicidal intent and for purposes not socially sanctioned.
Related terms
Self-harm: This is a broader term that includes any act of intentionally injuring oneself, which can be associated with various mental health conditions like borderline personality disorder and depression.
These are strategies people use in an attempt to deal with stressful situations. NSSI is considered a maladaptive coping mechanism because it causes physical harm instead of resolving stress.
Impulse Control Disorders: These are psychiatric disorders characterized by impulsivity – failure to resist a temptation or urge that may harm oneself or others. NSSI can sometimes be classified under this category due its impulsive nature.