SINGAPORE, June 14 -- A quarter of young people in Singapore have deliberately hurt themselves at least once in their lives, often by cutting, scratching or punching themselves, according to a national study that sheds light on non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).

The findings, from the National Youth Mental Health Study by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and published in The Straits Times today, involved 2,600 participants aged 15 to 35 and were published in March. NSSI typically begins at a median age of 14, with a second peak among males around 18.

While not classified as a mental disorder, NSSI is often a sign of deeper emotional struggles.

"Young people may resort to self-harm as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions or distre...