Applying Social Cognitive Theory to Understanding the Disclosure of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: A Scoping Review Protocol

Objective: This scoping review aims to use Social Cognitive Theory as a theoretical framework to identify and synthesise the social-cognitive factors underlying NSSI disclosures. Background: Disclosing NSSI can catalyse one’s recovery and offer opportunities for social support and professional help-seeking. However, approximately half of people who self-injure have never disclosed their NSSI to anyone. Factors involved in the decision to disclose often align with the key tenets of Social Cognitive Theory, namely self-efficacy, disclosure expectancies, and social modelling of disclosure. Applying Social Cognitive Theory to synthesise and map the literature may offer a theoretical explanation as to how these factors work together to shape the decision to disclose experiences of NSSI. Such knowledge may identify specific and modifiable cognitions that may be targeted in future research and interventions to support people who wish to disclose their NSSI. Eligibility criteria: This review will consider all published and unpublished empirical studies that focus on populations with 1) a history of NSSI, 2) examine NSSI disclosures, and 3) report on at least one social-cognitive factor associated with NSSI disclosures. Methods: This scoping review will be guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s (2019) 5-step methodological framework and Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) guidelines for conducting scoping reviews. The search will be conducted on Medline, Scopus, PyschInfo, Web of Science, ProQuest Central, and ProQuest Dissertation and Theses Database. The results will be imported to JBI SUMARI where two reviewers will independently screen the sources against the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Both reviewers will be involved in the data extraction process. Conclusion: This scoping review will synthesise the social-cognitive factors associated with NSSI disclosures. In doing so, this review will also aim to identify research gaps and inform future research to advance the understanding of NSSI disclosures.