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Exploring the Relationship between Experiential Avoidance, Coping Functions and the Recency and Frequency of
Emma Nielsen1, Kapil Sayal2, Ellen Townsend1
1School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
Plos One
|July 22, 2016
Summary
Experiential avoidance and avoidance coping are linked to self-harm. Higher levels of these behaviors predict increased self-harm frequency, while approach coping may decrease it.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Self-harm is a complex behavior with various contributing factors.
- Existing models of self-harm may not fully account for psychological tendencies like experiential avoidance.
- Understanding the interplay between coping mechanisms and self-harm is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between experiential avoidance, coping strategies, and the recency and frequency of self-harm.
- To examine how different coping mechanisms (avoidance, approach, reappraisal, emotion regulation) are associated with self-harm behaviors.
- To determine if experiential avoidance is a significant psychological factor underlying self-harm, irrespective of suicidal intent.
Main Methods:
- A community sample of 1332 participants (aged 16-69 years) completed online self-report measures.
- Measures assessed self-harm history, momentary affect, experiential avoidance, and coping in response to stressors.
- Statistical analyses were used to explore associations between variables.
Main Results:
- Individuals who self-harmed reported higher experiential avoidance and avoidance coping, and lower approach, reappraisal, and emotion regulation coping compared to controls.
- More recent self-harm correlated with lower approach/reappraisal/emotion regulation coping and higher avoidance coping and experiential avoidance.
- Higher experiential avoidance and avoidance coping predicted increased lifetime frequency of self-harm.
Conclusions:
- Experiential avoidance appears to be a key psychological factor associated with self-harm.
- Avoidance coping strategies are linked to increased self-harm, while approach and reappraisal coping are associated with decreased self-harm frequency.
- These findings suggest that targeting experiential avoidance and promoting adaptive coping mechanisms may be important in therapeutic approaches to self-harm.
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