Non-Suicidal Self Injury in Adolescents with Gender Dysphoria: A Clinical Sample from Turkey


YAZKAN AKGÜL G., Göksu M., Sivritaş S., ERDOĞDU YILDIRIM A. B.

Deviant Behavior, 2025 (SSCI) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1080/01639625.2025.2517351
  • Dergi Adı: Deviant Behavior
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, International Bibliography of Social Sciences, Child Development & Adolescent Studies, Criminal Justice Abstracts, EBSCO Legal Collection, EBSCO Legal Source, Educational research abstracts (ERA), Gender Studies Database, HeinOnline-Law Journal Library, Index Islamicus, Psycinfo, Social services abstracts, Sociological abstracts, Violence & Abuse Abstracts
  • Marmara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study aimed to examine the relationship between Gender Dysphoria (GD) and Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI) in a clinical sample of adolescents, focusing on emotional, behavioral, and depressive symptoms. The study included 30 adolescents with GD (GDG) and 62 age- and sex assigned at birth-matched controls (CG). Participants were assessed using the Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS-PL-T), the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), the Inventory of Statements About Self-injury (ISAS), and the Youth Self-Report (YSR). 63% (n = 19) of the GDG had comorbid psychiatric disorders, primarily depressive disorder (40%, n = 12), anxiety disorders (16.6%, n = 5) and ADHD (30%, n = 9). NSSI was reported in 70% (n = 21) of the GDG. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the types of NSSI behaviors or frequency. Depressive symptoms and emotional/behavioral problems were associated with NSSI in both groups. The ISAS intrapersonal function score was positively predicted solely by the CDI score, whereas the ISAS interpersonal function score was predicted by being assigned male at birth. The study highlights the importance of addressing comorbid psychopathologies, particularly depression, in adolescents with GD to mitigate self-injury risks. Early intervention and comprehensive mental health support are crucial for improving outcomes in youth with GD.