Publication Date

Summer 2016

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Dr. Amy M. Brausch (Director), Dr. Diane Lickenbrock, and Dr. Aaron Wichman

Degree Program

Department of Psychological Sciences

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

This study examines the impact features of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) have on predicting a suicide attempt in a sample of young adult self-injurers. Participants completed the Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury, the Self-Harm Behavior Questionnaire and demographics questionnaires to assess lifetime self-injury frequency, number of different methods used, severity of methods, the desire to stop self-harming, functions, the experience of pain, and response latency. Results indicated that NSSI frequency, high severity methods, and endorsing more intrapersonal functions predicted the presence of a suicide attempt. Additionally, those who experienced pain while selfinjuring were found to be significantly more likely to report a history of suicide attempt compared to those who did not feel pain. Given extant literature, these findings suggest that in general the relationship between NSSI and suicidality is more complex than suggested and differs depending on which feature of suicidality is being measured (e.g. ideation, threats, gestures, plans, or attempts). Aside from other important implications discussed, researchers should individually evaluate facets of suicide when establishing risk.

Disciplines

Applied Behavior Analysis | Child Psychology | Clinical Psychology

Download

Share

COinS