Abstract
Theoretical models of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI; i.e., purposeful destruction of body tissue without suicidal intent) suggest that individuals engage in NSSI in order to regulate negative affect (NA). One limitation of the current research is that most studies using pain as a proxy of NSSI have failed to include a nonpainful stimuli control group. This study attempted to address this limitation by comparing the emotional response to painful (vs. nonpainful) heat stimulation in individuals with a history of NSSI (vs. no history of NSSI) following a negative mood induction. It was predicted that among individuals with a history of NSSI, pain would lead to larger reductions in NA than warm stimulation. Furthermore, it was predicted that this reduction would be larger than that of controls regardless of condition. The hypotheses received partial support, such that pain led to greater reductions in negative affect for individuals with a history of NSSI, but not compared to controls. Future research directions are discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Personality Disorders: Theory, Research, and Treatment
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
