Abstract

Introduction: Emotional and behavioral problems are main factors that make adolescents vulnerable to health risky behavior like self-injury. This study aims to determine the relationship of emotional and behavioral problems with self-injury in adolescents.

Method: The study used a descriptive correlative design with a cross sectional approach. This research uses purposive sampling and stratified-cluster sampling techniques with a total of 263 high school adolescents in West Jakarta. Data was obtained using two questionnaires, namely Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory.

Result: The majority of high school adolescents in West Jakarta have a normal level of self-injurious behavior of 52.5%. The emotional and behavioral problems that the adolescents have are in the normal range of 62,4%. Emotional and behavioral problems have a significant relationship with self-injury in adolescents (p = 0,000).

Conclusion: This research is expected to be the foundation of promotion and prevention programs regarding self-injury and emotional and behavioral problems in adolescents, such as mental health education, Coping-Skills Training, Problem-Solving Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).