A Descriptive Study of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Characteristics Among Veterans Meeting Diagnostic Criteria for...

Although nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is more common among military veterans than adult civilians, little is known about NSSI disorder among veterans.

The present study explored NSSI characteristics among veterans meeting criteria for current NSSI disorder (N = 41) and the relationship between NSSI methods and functions.

Participants reported a pattern of past-year NSSI engagement characterized by frequent and severe NSSI, a short interval between NSSI urges and behavior, and moderate or greater subjective distress and interference in family relationships, social relationships, and work/school. Psychiatric comorbidities were common, and nearly half of participants reported a suicide attempt history. Participants used an average of four NSSI methods, the most common being wall-punching (85.4%), and endorsed an average of eight distinct functions of NSSI, predominantly for intrapersonal reasons. Regardless of the specific method used, the most common reason that veterans with NSSI disorder engaged in NSSI was to help themselves cope with negative emotions.

Findings suggest certain NSSI characteristics are similar among veterans and civilians with current NSSI disorder (e.g., NSSI functions) and differ between them (e.g., NSSI methods). Further research is necessary in order to replicate and expand upon these findings with nationally representative samples and better understand NSSI functions among veterans.