Testing an Integrative Model of Affect Regulation and Avoidance in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Disordered Eating
Summary
This study found that difficulty with emotion regulation and experiential avoidance link emotional distress to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and eating disorder (ED) behaviors in women. These behaviors may function as maladaptive emotion regulation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and eating disorders (ED) are serious mental health concerns.
- Understanding shared risk factors and mechanisms is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test a model integrating risk factors for NSSI and ED behaviors.
- To identify shared and unique psychological mechanisms underlying NSSI and ED.
Main Methods:
- Structural equation modeling was used.
- Examined emotional distress, emotion regulation (ER) strategies, experiential avoidance, and NSSI/ED frequency.
- Sample comprised 230 female undergraduates.
Main Results:
- Limited access to ER strategies and experiential avoidance mediated the link between emotional distress and NSSI/ED behaviors.
- Experiential avoidance was a key factor associated with both NSSI and ED.
Conclusions:
- NSSI and ED behaviors may serve similar, albeit maladaptive, emotion regulation functions.
- Experiential avoidance plays a significant role in the development and maintenance of NSSI and ED.
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