Identity, Emptiness, and Self-Harm Thoughts: What New Research Means for Young People Abroad

For many adolescents and young adults, especially those growing up internationally, questions like “Who am I?” and “Where do I belong?” are not just philosophical—they can feel urgent, confusing, and at times overwhelming.

Recent research by Kristina Eggermont and colleagues (2026) sheds new light on how identity struggles and feelings of emptiness can, in everyday life, contribute to thoughts of self-harm.

This has important implications for international families and students in the Netherlands, where frequent transitions, cultural shifts, and high expectations can intensify these experiences.

What Did the Study Find?

The researchers followed adolescents and young adults over a 28-day period, checking in multiple times a day. This allowed them to see what was happening in real time, rather than relying only on memory or retrospective reports.

They found three key patterns:

1. Identity and emptiness fluctuate throughout the day

Young people don’t feel stable in their sense of self all the time. Moments of identity confusion (“I don’t know who I am”) can come and go—even within hours.

2. Identity struggles and emptiness reinforce each other

A particularly important finding:

• When identity feels unclear → feelings of emptiness increase

• When emptiness increases → identity feels even more unstable

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This creates a cycle that can intensify within just a few hours.

3. This cycle can lead to self-harm thoughts

After this cycle builds, the likelihood of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) thoughts increases shortly after.

Importantly, this effect was found even when general negative mood was taken into account—meaning this is not just about “feeling bad,” but something more specific.

Why This Matters for International Families

Living in an international environment can be enriching, but it can also complicate identity development.

Young people may be asking:

• Am I from here, or from somewhere else?

• Which language or culture defines me?

• Where do I belong socially?

These are common experiences for third-culture kids and international students, and they can make identity feel less stable.

When identity feels unclear, emptiness can follow—a sense of disconnection, numbness, or lack of meaning. For some, this may increase vulnerability to self-harm thoughts.

What Does “Emptiness” Feel Like?

Parents and educators often recognize anxiety or sadness—but emptiness is different and can be harder to spot.

Young people might describe it as:

• “I feel nothing”

• “I don’t know who I am”

• “Everything feels meaningless”

• “I feel disconnected from myself or others”

This doesn’t always look dramatic from the outside. In fact, many young people continue functioning at school while struggling internally.

What Helps? Small Moments Matter

One of the most important takeaways from this research is that these processes happen quickly—within hours.

That means support doesn’t always need to be big or long-term to be effective. Small, timely interventions can make a difference.

Helpful approaches include:

1. Strengthening identity in everyday life

• Encouraging exploration of interests, values, and strengths

• Supporting a coherent personal narrative (“your story”)

• Validating multicultural or mixed identities

2. Addressing emptiness directly

• Helping young people put feelings into words

• Encouraging connection (even brief moments with others)

• Using grounding or sensory strategies to feel more “present”

3. Creating safe spaces to talk

Young people are more likely to share difficult thoughts when they feel:

• Not judged

• Taken seriously

• Genuinely listened to

When to Seek Professional Support

If a young person is experiencing:

• Persistent emptiness

• Strong identity confusion

• Thoughts about self-harm (even without action)

it’s important to seek support early.

Therapy can help by:

• Building a more stable sense of identity

• Understanding and reducing feelings of emptiness

• Developing healthier ways to cope with intense emotions

A Final Thought

Identity development is a central task of adolescence and young adulthood—but for internationally mobile young people, it can be more complex.

This research reminds us that moments matter. A difficult afternoon can quickly escalate—but a supportive conversation, a moment of connection, or a shift in perspective can also interrupt that cycle.

Support for International Families in the Netherlands

At Baumgarten Child Psychology and More, I work with children, adolescents, and young adults navigating identity, emotional wellbeing, and life in international environments.

If you have concerns about your child—or are a student struggling yourself—you are welcome to get in touch.