Between Urges and Actions: Unpacking Affective Dynamics in Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

Engagement in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) can be predicted by affective dynamics (e.g., variability, inertia, and intensity). However, little is known about affective dynamics in relation to NSSI urges that are not acted upon, a phenomenon worth further study given its high rate of occurrence. Such a phenomenon should be studied in real-time through ecological momentary assessment (EMA), given the varying durations and frequency of NSSI urges. The current study examined affective dynamics in relation to EMA-reported NSSI urges and compared affective dynamics among participants with only EMA-reported NSSI urges to those with both EMA-reported NSSI urges and any EMA-reported NSSI behaviors. The sample included 93 young adults (ages 18-34) with past-month NSSI urges or behaviors. Dynamic structural equation modeling (DSEM) was used to analyze between-person affective dynamics. Results showed that greater NSSI urges were associated with greater negative affect variability and intensity, and lower positive affect intensity. Further, individuals who engaged in any NSSI behavior had significantly higher negative affect variability and intensity than those who only reported NSSI urges (but not behaviors) during EMA, even when controlling for past month NSSI behaviors at baseline. This study has important implications for risk identification and later treatment of NSSI urges.