Negative affect and nonsuicidal self-injury

Benjamin A. Swerdlow, Jennifer G. Pearlstein, Devon B. Sandel, Sheri L. Johnson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Virtually all contemporary models of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) emphasize negative affectivity as central to the phenomenology of NSSI. This chapter briefly illustrates the major points of divergence among these contemporary models before turning to the current state of the empirical literature. The focus, in particular, is on reviewing findings related to three facets of the negative affect-NSSI relationship: (a) negative affectivity as a risk factor for NSSI initiation and frequency, including trait-like individual differences, stressful life experiences, and central and peripheral neurophysiology; (b) heightened negative affect as a precursor to NSSI acts; and (c) short-and long-term consequences of NSSI engagement for negative affect. Several key takeaways emerge from this review. First, across multiple units of analysis, heightened negative affectivity and difficulties responding to negative affect are consistent risk factors for NSSI. Second, retrospective and ecological sampling studies converge on the conclusion that NSSI acts are typically preceded by higher-than-usual negative affect. Third, laboratory studies have demonstrated that pain offset is capable of reducing negative affect, arousal, and rumination in people with and without histories of NSSI, consistent with regulation of negative affect being the single most commonly endorsed function of NSSI. However, inconsistent findings from ecological sampling studies suggest that the affective consequences of NSSI are variable in practice, and evidence from longitudinal studies suggests that NSSI engagement is a harbinger of increased negative affectivity in the long run. These key findings are illustrated with a brief clinical vignette. Clinical implications and recommendations for future research conclude the chapter.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Oxford Handbook of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury
PublisherOxford University Press
Pages226-250
Number of pages25
ISBN (Electronic)9780197611302
ISBN (Print)9780197611272
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 23 2023

Keywords

  • Affect regulation
  • Ecological momentary assessment
  • Emotion regulation
  • Functions of nonsuicidal self-injury
  • Negative affect
  • Self-criticism

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