When NSSI persists: Prevalence and psychosocial correlates in Flemish adults aged 30-59 and 60+

Description

NSSI has been widely studied in youth, yet little is known about its occurrence in later life. This pilot study examined prevalence and psychosocial correlates of NSSI among adults aged 30-59 and 60+ in Flanders, Belgium. An online survey assessed NSSI, experiences of loss, loneliness, and health diagnoses. After exclusions, 167 participants remained (M = 59.6 years, range 30-90); 42.5% were aged 30-59 and 57.5% aged 60+. Overall, 22.2% reported lifetime NSSI (31% in 30-59 vs. 15.6% in 60+), with recent episodes endorsed by 8.4% of younger adults and 2% of older adults. Functions mirrored those in younger populations (e.g., emotion regulation), but age differences emerged in frequency and methods. Chi-square tests showed a significant association between NSSI and psychiatric diagnosis, but not physical illness. Independent t-tests indicated that NSSI was linked to more loss experiences and greater emotional, social, and existential loneliness. Stratified analyses suggested these differences were strongest for emotional and existential loneliness among older adults. Recruitment is ongoing, with the goal of adding 200 participants by May 2025 to enable robust regression analyses comparing age groups. Findings challenge assumptions that NSSI is rare in later life and highlight the need for age-inclusive prevention strategies.

Period	Jun 2026
Event title	21st International Society for the Study of Self-Injury Annual Conference
Event type	Conference
Location	Stockholm, SwedenShow on map