The Claim
Subjective feelings of emptiness are statistically associated with a 24% increased odds of nonsuicidal self-injury thoughts in adolescents, independent of anxiety and loneliness.
What the research says
Not yet evaluated
We are still looking at what the research says.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Adolescents who report feeling empty are 24% more likely to have thoughts of nonsuicidal self-injury, even when accounting for anxiety and loneliness.
See the scientific wording
Subjective feelings of emptiness are statistically associated with a 24% increased odds of nonsuicidal self-injury thoughts in adolescents, independent of anxiety and loneliness, suggesting it may be a primary behavioral trigger rather than a secondary symptom.
When the brain's reward center doesn't respond to normal pleasures, a person feels emotionally empty. To fill that void, the body uses physical pain: when the pain stops, it triggers a surge of feel-good chemicals that briefly restore sensation. This makes the person think about hurting themselves again to feel anything at all.
What the research says
1 studyThis study says that when teens feel emotionally empty, it’s not just because they’re sad or lonely—it’s a separate feeling that can push them to hurt themselves, almost like their brain is numb and they’re trying to feel something, anything. So yes, emptiness itself might be a big reason they think about self-harm.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.