Examining Spanish-Language Pro Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) Posts on Tumblr: A Computer-Assisted Text Analysis

Adolescent non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) often co-occurs with disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD, yet limited research exists on Spanish-language social media contexts. This study employed a computer-assisted text analysis (CATA) approach to examine Spanish-language pro-NSSI Tumblr posts originating from North, Central, and South America. A year’s worth of public posts was collected, focusing on captions and hashtags that included NSSI-related terms. Using Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) software, we analyzed linguistic and psychological markers. Log-likelihood ratio tests revealed significantly higher frequencies of words related to negative emotions, sadness, health, and death compared to standard blog norms. Mixed-language posts showed notable code-switching, suggesting a possible emotional distancing mechanism when discussing self-harm. Findings indicate that Spanish-speaking adolescents engaging in pro-NSSI communities exhibit unique linguistic and psychological characteristics, with important implications for clinical assessment and intervention. Mental health counselors and educators can use these insights to develop culturally and linguistically responsive strategies for prevention and support.