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Low implicit and explicit aversion toward self-cutting stimuli longitudinally predict nonsuicidal self-injury
Joseph C Franklin1, Megan E Puzia2, Kent M Lee3
1Department of Psychology, Harvard University.
Journal of Abnormal Psychology
|June 3, 2014
Summary
Low aversion to self-cutting stimuli can predict future nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). This study found that reduced instinctive barriers against self-harm are linked to increased NSSI risk in individuals with a history of self-cutting.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychopathology
Background:
- Identifying individuals at risk for nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is crucial.
- Few reliable longitudinal predictors of NSSI exist beyond previous NSSI.
- Instinctive barriers, such as aversion to self-harm, may protect against NSSI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if low aversion to self-cutting stimuli can longitudinally predict future NSSI.
- To examine novel predictors of NSSI in individuals with a history of self-cutting.
Main Methods:
- Studied 49 individuals with a history of self-cutting.
- Assessed implicit and explicit aversion to self-cutting stimuli.
- Examined the predictive ability of aversion for future NSSI, controlling for other factors.
Main Results:
- Low implicit and explicit aversion to self-cutting stimuli significantly predicted future NSSI.
- These associations remained significant even when accounting for prior NSSI, emotion dysregulation, and other variables.
- Findings suggest that reduced aversion to self-harm stimuli is a unique predictor of NSSI.
Conclusions:
- Erosion of instinctive barriers, like aversion to self-harm, may facilitate NSSI.
- Low aversion to self-cutting stimuli is a potential biomarker for NSSI risk.
- Findings highlight the importance of considering instinctive responses in understanding and predicting NSSI.