Big Five Traits and Perfectionism are Risk Factors for Nonsuicidal Cutting

Abstract

This investigation assessed the role of the Big Five dimensions of personality and perfectionism in predicting nonsuicidal cutting in a sample of undergraduate students. Of 292 students, 50 (17%) endorsed cutting behavior. Duration of cutting was associated with Openness, and Introversion, as well as perfectionistic rumination. Frequency of cutting was associated with Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, low Neuroticism (accounting for about 20% of the variance), as well as perfectionistic rumination, organization, and low concern over mistakes (accounting for 31% of the variance). These findings are discussed in the context of previous research investigations of risk factors for nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) that are convergent, and sometimes discrepant with these data. The findings suggest that more research into personality traits and methods of NSSI is warranted.