Effects of Negative Emotional Experience and Behavior Impulsivity on Non-suicidal Self-injury in Adolescents: A Follow-up Study

Abstract

Objective: To explore the predictive utilities of negative emotional experiences and behavior impulsivity on nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents, and to test the moderating effects of behavior impulsivity on the relation between negative emotional experiences and NSSI. Methods: A total of 3600 middle school students completed questionnaires three times over a 1.5 year period, six months apart. At the first time, we measured the occurrence of NSSI, dissociative experience, depression and behavior impulsivity. At the second and third times, we measured the occurrence of NSSI. We used generalized estimating equations to analyze the longitudinal data. Results: Baseline levels of depression, dissociative experience and behavior impulsivity significantly predicted subsequent NSSI; but the interaction effects of behavior impulsivity and depression, dissociative experience on NSSI was not significant. Conclusion: This study supports the emotion regulation function of NSSI. Behavior impulsivity also significantly influences future engagement in this behavior.