Nonsuicidal self-injury and affect regulation: recent findings from experimental and ecological momentary assessment...

Although research indicates that nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) may be used as a form of emotion regulation, studies have largely relied on the use of retrospective self-report data, which limits inferences about directionality of effects. Recently, researchers have started to employ lab-based experimental (e.g., guided imagery, acute pain) and moment sampling approaches to the study of NSSI.

In the present study, we conducted a review of this recent literature, using several electronic databases (e.g., PsychINFO, ERIC, CINAHL).

We identified 18 studies that met our inclusion criteria. Findings indicated that the administration of pain was associated with decreases in negative affect among both self-injurers and noninjurers, although these declines were more pronounced for self-injurers in some studies.

We discuss findings within the context of two central theories (i.e., opponent-process theory and distraction theory) and offer several recommendations for future research in this area.