Hidden Struggles of Suicidal Youth: How Alexithymia and Depressive Symptoms Contribute to the Digital Self-Harm

Abstract

Digital self-harm has evolved into a rising problem among teenage individuals who have previously attempted suicide. This behavior involves posting or sending hidden self-threatening content across digital platforms. The relationship between digital self-harm and emotional distress lacks clarity because of the unexplained roles of alexithymia and depressive symptoms. This research analyzes digital self-harm psychological processes through an examination of suicidal background relationships combined with the effects of alexithymia and depression in online self-harming activities. A research sample consisting of 284 suicide attempters used standardized self-report tools to evaluate digital self-harm conduct along with alexithymia levels, depressive symptoms, and suicidal attempts. The research indicated that depression and alexithymia enhance the relationship between digital self-harm and suicidal history in adolescents, since those who face increased emotional regulation issues perform digital self-harm more often. The study's evidence highlights the need to develop targeted interventions focusing on emotional development for at-risk young people. The identification of individuals experiencing severe alexithymia and depressive symptoms represents a crucial element to stop digital self-harm actions and prevent suicide events. Future studies need to survey the development of digital self-harm patterns and implement intervention programs to better understand this developing problem.