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Updated: May 3, 2026
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Psychophysiological Assessment of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies in Childhood
Published on: February 11, 2017
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Nonsuicidal self-injury: an emotion regulation perspective
Katherine C McKenzie1, James J Gross
1PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium, Palo Alto University, Palo Alto, Calif., USA.
Psychopathology
|February 15, 2014
Summary
Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) can serve various emotion regulation functions, including modifying distressing situations, social environments, attention, cognitions, and physiological responses. Clarifying the specific function of NSSI in individuals and contexts is crucial.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Emotion Regulation
Background:
- Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is commonly understood to play a role in emotion regulation.
- Understanding the specific mechanisms by which NSSI influences emotions is essential for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a conceptual framework for understanding how NSSI modifies emotions.
- To explore the diverse emotion-regulatory functions NSSI may serve.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis drawing upon the process model of emotion regulation.
- Identification of five families of emotion regulation strategies potentially engaged by NSSI.
Main Results:
- NSSI may be used to avoid distressing situations or modify social environments.
- Individuals may use NSSI to shift attention from negative emotions or thoughts.
- NSSI can alter self-cognitions through self-punishment or transformation.
- Physiological changes, such as opioid release or parasympathetic activation, may modulate emotional responses.
Conclusions:
- Labeling NSSI solely as 'emotion regulatory' is insufficient due to its multifaceted functions.
- The specific context and individual determine the precise emotion-regulatory role of NSSI.
- Further research is needed to clarify the precise functions of NSSI for individuals.
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