Non-Suicidal Self-Injury most commonly occurs in early to mid-adolescence and commonly ceases in young adulthood. Adolescence is a vulnerable phase for developing NSSI, as elevated levels of impulsivity and emotional reactivity are present due to brain developmental processes. Apart from age, female gender has been identified as a risk factor for NSSI. Regarding cognitive factors, in a study including 4810 adolescents aged 16 to 17 years, higher IQ was associated with a higher risk of engaging in NSSI.