Intervention in Suicidal and Non-Suicidal Self-Injurious Behaviors in Adolescents: Approaches and Evidence

Suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors in adolescence constitute a priority public health problem due to their high prevalence, their association with multiple psychopathological disorders, and their potential progression toward more severe outcomes. The general objective of this symposium is to analyze the target mechanisms that empirical evidence has identified as relevant in interventions addressing suicidal and non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors in adolescent populations, as well as to review the therapeutic strategies with the strongest scientific support and the methodological aspects that influence their effectiveness.

In particular, variables such as the mode of intervention (face-to-face vs. online; individual vs. group), the resources employed (e.g., digital technologies, mass-media–based programs), the duration of the intervention (brief vs. extended), and the incorporation of specific safety measures, such as the safety plan, will be examined. In addition, the active components related to emotion regulation, problem solving, hopelessness, impulsivity, and interpersonal relationships will be analyzed, among other transdiagnostic mechanisms.

As a second objective, the symposium aims to identify the essential components that should be included in universal, selective, and indicated prevention programs, and to delineate the cross-cutting elements that should be present in any intervention, regardless of its level of prevention or format.

Finally, the available evidence regarding the relative effectiveness of interventions targeting non-suicidal self-injury compared with suicidal self-injurious behaviors will be examined, analyzing whether severity (intensity, frequency, duration, and degree of distress or impairment) moderates treatment effects. Possible moderating variables (e.g., comorbidity, family support, gender, previous history of suicide attempts) will also be discussed, with the aim of advancing toward more precise and personalized intervention models.