Abstract
This study explores self-injurious behaviors among adolescents and provides training for school social workers, school staff, and others working with this population. The purpose of this study is to identify the main topics needed in order to train school social workers on this topic since the literature shows that there is a lack in education of self-injury (Dahir, Sheldon, & Valiga, 1998; Kress et al., 2004; LifeSigns, 2008). Numerous sources were analyzed focusing on prevalence rates, the importance of understanding, explanations for why self-injurious behaviors are used, challenges for school environments, and the expectation of competency among social workers. This researcher collected data from twelve experts working in the field of social work and education, which inquired about the interviewee’s past and present experience working with this population, risk factors, opinion of the level of awareness among other groups, and opinions on best practices and training needs. The findings of this study concluded with identifying similarities and differences found between this study and the literature, and implications for future research and practice.