The Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury (ISAS) is a critical tool for assessing non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents. Developed by Klonsky et al., the ISAS has been adapted into various languages, including Persian. This adaptation is crucial for practitioners working with Iranian youth, providing a culturally relevant tool to assess and understand NSSI behaviors.
The Importance of Assessing NSSI
NSSI is a significant public health issue that affects adolescents worldwide. It involves deliberate self-harm without suicidal intent and is associated with psychiatric conditions such as Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), depression, and anxiety. Understanding and assessing NSSI is vital for effective intervention and support.
The Persian ISAS: Psychometric Properties
The study by Rezaei et al. investigates the psychometric properties of the Persian version of ISAS. The research involved 655 Iranian adolescents, with 246 reporting a history of NSSI. The confirmatory factor analysis supported a two-factor model (Interpersonal and Intrapersonal dimensions), consistent with previous studies in other cultures.
- Internal Consistency: The Persian ISAS demonstrated excellent internal consistency, with Cronbach’s alpha values indicating reliability across both dimensions.
- Convergent Validity: The ISAS scores showed positive correlations with related constructs such as depression and anxiety, reinforcing its validity as a measure of NSSI.
Implications for Practitioners
The findings from this study offer several implications for practitioners:
- Cultural Relevance: The Persian ISAS provides a culturally relevant tool for assessing NSSI in Iranian adolescents, acknowledging cultural nuances that may affect self-injury behaviors.
- Comprehensive Assessment: By evaluating both interpersonal and intrapersonal functions, practitioners can gain a holistic understanding of the motivations behind NSSI behaviors.
- Enhanced Intervention Strategies: Understanding the specific functions of NSSI can inform tailored intervention strategies that address underlying psychological needs.
The Need for Further Research
This study highlights the need for ongoing research into NSSI among different cultural groups. While the Persian ISAS shows promise, further studies could explore its application in clinical settings and among diverse populations within Iran.
A Call to Action for Practitioners
Practitioners are encouraged to integrate the findings from this study into their practice, using the Persian ISAS to enhance their assessment and intervention strategies. By doing so, they can provide more effective support to adolescents struggling with NSSI.
