Moderating Effect of Psychological Flexibility in the Relationship between Neuroticism and Self-Harm

Abstract

Many people seek professional help because of self-harm, signaling a crisis in domestic mental health issues. Neuroticism significantly predicts self-harm through experiential avoidance as a coping strategy in response to negative stimuli. However, despite neurotic tendencies, a person with a high level of psychological flexibility may have the capacity to respond constructively to unpleasant situations or emotions. The current study measured neuroticism (K-IPIP-NEO-120), self-harm (K-SHI), and psychological flexibility (K-AAQ-II) in 551 South Korean adults (M=271, F=280, age range: 20–59 years). Results showed that psychological flexibility moderated the relationship between neuroticism and self-harm. Neuroticism significantly predicted self-harming behaviors when psychological flexibility was low or moderate, whereas high psychological flexibility prevented the risk of a connection between neuroticism and self-harm. Psychological flexibility may need to be addressed in clinical interventions and in self-harm prevention.