Relationship between emotional and behavioral problems with self-injury in adolescents

Abstract

Emotional and behavioral problems (EBP) are the main factors that make adolescents vulnerable to health risk behaviors like self-injury. This study aims to determine the relationship of EBP with self-injury in adolescents. The study used a descriptive correlative design with a cross-sectional approach. This research applied purposive and stratified-cluster sampling techniques involving 263 Senior High School (SHS) adolescents in West Jakarta. Data were obtained by using Strength-and-Difficulties Questionnaire and Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory questionnaire. The majority of adolescents have a normal level of self-injurious behavior of 52.5%. The EBP that the adolescents have been in the normal range of 62.4%. EBP has a significant relationship with self-injury in adolescents (p = 0.000). This research is expected to be used as a foundation of promotion and prevention programs regarding self-injury and EBP in adolescents, such as mental health education, Coping-Skills Training, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy.