Date of Conferral
2022
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Human Services
Advisor
Garth Den Heyer
Abstract
According to recent studies, the instances of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents have sharply risen in recent years. Cutting is the most prevalent form of NSSI in adolescence which leads to scarring, social stigma, and an increased risk of suicide. NSSI and cutting are considered maladaptive coping skills. The purpose of this general qualitative study is to explore how positive coping skills and self-regulation impacted their instances of cutting. Self-regulation theory was used to analyze if having positive alternative skills was enough to regulate the behavior and have an impact on their instances of cutting. This general qualitative research study utilized interviews of eight individuals with past cutting experiences during adolescence to gather information on effective alternative coping strategies. The results of this study showed that individuals had to learn positive skills through self-discovery and that each of these skills was very individualized. These skills were not present at the onset of cutting, but once the participants were able to gain these skills, they were able to self-regulate and lower their instances of cutting. Adolescents may benefit from the results of this study as they can be given positive coping skills earlier in childhood to lessen the instances of cutting and improve self-regulation.
Recommended Citation
Weide, Nicoletta, "The Connection Between Positive Coping Skills and Cutting for Young Adults in Adolescence" (2022). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 13886.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/13886
