Date of Award

5-2026

Document Type

Project

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Barragan Jr. Armando

Abstract

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a significant health concern disproportionately affecting the LGBTQIA population and system-involved youth with a prevalence as high as 20% and increasing. Historically, treatment has been inadequate, as interventions were designed to treat borderline personality disorder (BPD), depression, or suicidality. Patients consistently report negative stigma, contributing to poor treatment outcomes and consequently failing to seek professional help or cease treatment. Mental health professionals report experiencing bicurious trauma, increasing the likelihood of burnout. This study aims to evaluate the effects of online self-paced NSSI training on clinical social workers’ confidence when treating clients who engage in NSSI. The study will use a quantitative quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest comparison group design. The intervention group will receive NSSI training while the control group receives training on therapeutic alliance. Participants will be recruited from Riverside University Health Care System Department of Behavioral Health. Confidence levels are measured using an adapted version of the Counselor Activities Self-Efficacy Scales (CASES). Data will be analyzed using an independent samples t-test and expect to see higher confidence for the intervention group with a positive correlation with age and experience. However, the study may observe a plateau effect as age increases. Other notable findings may be the influence of primary work setting on experience. By implementing training, we hope to increase confidence, which in turn will increase self-efficacy. By increasing the self-efficacy of social workers, clients engaging in NSSI will receive better quality care and experience increased positive outcomes. Further, training may decrease bicurious trauma and, therefore, decrease social worker attrition.

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