PREVENTION OF NON-SUICIDAL SELF-INJURY BEHAVIOR IN ADOLESCENTS THROUGH ASSERTIVENESS TRAINING

Abstract

Background: Non-suicidal self-injury is a mental health phenomenon that occurs when a person uses physical pain as a maladaptive coping method to deal with emotional stress, but health professionals experience a lack of information regarding effective management in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury behavioural interventions. Futhermore, the assertive training technique is an assistance to overcome difficulties in expressing feelings and emotions, as well as in showing assertiveness appropriately. Objective: This study aimed to describe the effect of assertiveness training on the behaviour of adolescents’ abilities to prevent non-suicidal self-injury. Method: The research design is a quasi-experiment with a pre- and posttest and a control group. This study was conducted with 30 students selected using a purposive sampling technique after consulting with the guidance counselor about students at risk of non-suicidal self-injury at SMK 10 November in Semarang in October-November 2025. The instrument to measure the ability of adolescents to prevent the risk of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury behaviour uses the Self-Harm Inventory (SHI) before and after assertiveness training and subsequent analysis using univariate analysis in the form of frequency distribution and percentage. Results: The majority of respondents in this study were at risk of NSSI behaviour, namely 12 students before assertiveness training and 11 after. Conclusion: This study shows that the majority of respondents were at risk of engaging in NSSI behaviour after assertiveness training, a decrease compared to before assertiveness training. Continuous mentoring, health education, and counselling by various stakeholders are needed to ensure that these risks are appropriately managed.