Description
Abstract: Research suggests that non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI; intentional destruction of bodily tissue without suicidal intent) occurs among elementary-aged children. Although it remains unclear to what extent elementary school educators encounter NSSI among their students, and how they respond. Thus, this study investigated elementary educators’ knowledge of, experience with, and professional development needs regarding NSSI. Educators (_n_ = 63) recruited from schools and teacher associations responded to an online survey. The majority of the sample (65.1%) reported experience dealing with NSSI among their students and feel ill-equipped to respond (90.5%). Thematic analyses revealed that educators perceive students to engage in NSSI for intrapersonal (managing stress) and interpersonal (school and familial stressors) reasons, and report a lack of training and support in this area. Further, participants indicated a need for training (how to support students who engage in NSSI), psychoeducation (better understanding of the behaviour), and a schoolwide protocol. School educators are confronted with NSSI among elementary school students, and are open to receiving training because they acknowledge a lack of understanding in this area. Discussion will address the need and recommendations for school psychologists to provide appropriate training for elementary school educators.| Periode | 2023 |
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| Evenementstitel | 84th Annual National Convention of the Canadian Psychological Association |
| Evenementstype | Conference |
| Locatie | Toronto, CanadaToon op kaart |