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May 8, 2025
A groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence sheds new light on how adolescents’ friendships influence non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)-a behavior affecting nearly one in five youths. The research, led by Jiaao Yu, a sociology Ph.D. student at Northeastern University, explores the dual roles of social contagion and social integration in shaping self-harm behaviors among adolescents.
The Power of Peer Influence
Non-suicidal self-injury, defined as deliberately harming oneself without suicidal intent, includes behaviors like cutting, burning, scratching, and hitting. The study found that adolescents with friends who engage in NSSI are at a higher risk of adopting the behavior themselves. This phenomenon, known as social contagion, occurs as youths may perceive self-harm as a normal coping mechanism or a way to fit in with their peers.
“Social contagion is more intimate-it’s the direct connection between one person and his or her friends,” explains Yu.
The Protective Role of Social Networks
However, the research also uncovered a protective aspect of friendship. Adolescents with a greater number of friends within their primary social group are less likely to engage in self-harm, even if some friends do. “It is important to have more social connections,” Yu emphasizes, noting that a robust support network can buffer against negative influences.
The Double-Edged Sword of Social Bridges
The study introduces a nuanced finding: adolescents who act as “bridges” between multiple peer groups-those with friends in several social circles-are more vulnerable to NSSI, especially if they are in early adolescence (ages 9–13) and have more than five friends across groups.
“It may be that it’s more challenging to balance the demands of multiple peer groups,” Yu suggests. “This is especially likely for early adolescents, who are less secure in their problem-solving abilities.”
Implications and Next Steps
The findings highlight the complexity of adolescent social networks and the importance of understanding how risk behaviors spread. “Mapping relationships creates a dynamic picture of where and through whom risk travels,” Yu says. “And it points us to the most effective places to intervene.”
Yu plans to extend this research to other adolescent behaviors, such as bullying and delinquency, to further explore the impact of social position on youth outcomes.
Reference:
Juan Wang et al, Understanding Social Influence of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: The Interplay of Peer Networks and Adolescent Behavior, Journal of Youth and Adolescence (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s10964-025-02178-9
Disclaimer:
This article is based on research findings as reported by Medical Xpress and does not constitute medical advice. If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm or mental health issues, please seek help from a qualified professional. The original source of this information is available at: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-friends-impact-youth-suicidal-injury.html.
