Method: Relevant empirical studies and reviews from the mental health, cross-cultural and social psychology as well as cognitive psychology literature were synthesized into two broad topics: social/ interpersonal and individual variables. Results: Variables related to the occurrence of NSSI are discussed including social support, peer modeling, abuse, personality traits, sense of belongingness, self-compassion, and others. Based on these findings, specific clinical recommendations were identified that need to be further evaluated empirically.
