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https://doi.org/10.62836/jissh.v2i2.500
Zhan, Y. (2025). The Relationship between Self-Harm and Peer Influence. Journal of Integrated Social Sciences and Humanities, 2(2), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.62836/jissh.v2i2.500
Volume 2, Issue 2, 2025

The Relationship between Self-Harm and Peer Influence

This paper examines how peer influence contributes to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents. Adolescent NSSI is a critical public health issue. Social media intensifies NSSI risks through algorithm-promoted harmful content and neural desensitization from repeated exposure. Also, peer influence on NSSI occurs via direct observation: witnessing peer NSSI triggers immediate self-harm urges, explained by social learning and contagion theories, with admired peers as negative role models. Moreover, social conformity, especially among teens with low self-esteem and social anxiety, drives NSSI. Adolescents misperceive self-harm as group-approved, complying to avoid exclusion, amplifying peer-influenced self-harm. To reduce adolescent NSSI, coordinated interventions are needed: school programs, improved family communication, and aggressive social media content moderation. Collaborative efforts across families, schools, and platforms can empower teens to resist harmful influences and choose healthier coping strategies.

self-harm peer influence direct observation conformity low self-esteem high social anxiety social media

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Supporting Agencies

  1. Funding: This research received no external funding.