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Suboptimal disease self-management among adults with type 2 diabetes is associated with greater risk of diabetes related health complications and mortality. Emotional distress has been linked with poor diabetes self-management; however, few studies have examined the role of emotion dysregulation in diabetes management. The purpose of this study was to examine the relations between different facets of emotion dysregulation and diabetes self-management behaviors among a sample of 373 adults with type 2 diabetes. Separate median regression and binary logistic regression models were used to examine the association of emotion dysregulation facets and each diabetes self-care behavior (i.e., medication nonadherence, diet, exercise, self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG), foot care, and smoking). Generally, greater difficulties in emotion regulation were associated with poorer self-management behaviors. However, several facets of emotion dysregulation were linked with better self-management behaviors. Addressing emotion dysregulation among adults with type 2 diabetes has the potential to improve diabetes related self-management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the prospective relations of baseline borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms to later coping- and health-related outcomes during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the moderating role of social media addiction in these relations. A U.S. nationwide community sample of 377 adults completed a prospective online study, including an initial assessment completed between March 27 and April 5, 2020 and a follow-up assessment one-month later. Baseline BPD symptoms were uniquely positively associated with maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, past-month substance use, thwarted belongingness, and health anxiety at one-month follow-up. BPD symptoms were also found to be positively associated with substance use and thwarted belongingness only among participants with high levels of social media addiction. Results suggest that individuals with BPD pathology may be particularly vulnerable to adverse coping- and health-related outcomes during a pandemic, and highlight the potential downsides of excessive social media use in the context of a global health crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the strong link between borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms and suicide risk, little is known about the mechanisms underlying this association. Theory-driven research clarifying the pathways through which BPD symptoms increase suicide risk over time is needed and may highlight relevant treatment targets for decreasing suicide risk among individuals with heightened BPD symptoms. This study examined the prospective relations among BPD symptoms, emotion regulation (ER) difficulties, perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and suicide risk across five assessments over a 7-month period. Consistent with the interpersonal theory of suicide, we hypothesized that greater BPD symptoms would predict greater suicide risk over time via greater ER difficulties and, subsequently, greater perceived burdensomeness.Methods: A U.S. nationwide sample of 500 adults (47 % women; mean age = 40.0 ± 11.64) completed a prospective online study, including an initial assessment and four follow-up assessments over the next seven months.Results: Results revealed a significant indirect relation between BPD symptoms and greater suicide risk over time through greater ER difficulties and later perceived burdensomeness. Results also provided evidence for transactional relations between BPD symptoms and ER difficulties and suicide risk over time.Limitations: All constructs were assessed via self-report questionnaire data. Our measure of suicide risk focuses on only suicidal ideation, plans, and impulses, and not suicide attempts or preparatory behaviors.Conclusions: Results highlight both ER- and interpersonal-related factors as key mechanisms underlying suicide risk among community adults with BPD symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adherence to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines varies across individuals.Purpose: This study examined the relations of pseudoscientific and just world beliefs, generalized and institutional trust, and political party affiliation to adherence to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines over three months, as well as the explanatory role of COVID-19 risk perceptions in these relations.Methods: A U.S. nationwide sample of 430 adults (49.8% women; mean age = 40.72) completed a prospective online study, including an initial assessment (between March 27 and April 5, 2020), a 1 month follow-up (between April 27 and May 21, 2020), and a 3 month follow-up (between June 26 and July 15, 2020). We hypothesized that greater pseudoscientific and just world beliefs, lower governmental, institutional, and dispositional trust, and Republican Party affiliation would be associated with lower initial adherence to social distancing and greater reductions in social distancing over time and that COVID-19 risk perceptions would account for significant variance in these relations.Results: Results revealed unique associations of lower governmental trust, greater COVID-19 pseudoscientific beliefs, and greater trust in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to lower initial adherence to social distancing. Whereas greater COVID-19 risk perceptions and CDC trust were associated with less steep declines in social distancing over time, both Republican (vs. Democratic) Party affiliation and greater COVID-19 pseudoscientific beliefs were associated with steeper declines in social distancing over time (relations accounted for by lower COVID-19 risk perceptions).Conclusions: Results highlight the utility of public health interventions aimed at improving scientific literacy and emphasizing bipartisan support for social distancing guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Researchers have highlighted the risk for alcohol use problems in the context of COVID-19, although the factors associated with this risk remain unclear. Objectives: This study examined the prospective relation of baseline financial strain (reported at the beginning of the pandemic) to problematic alcohol use one month later, as well as the moderating role of emotional nonacceptance. We hypothesized that financial strain would be more strongly associated with problematic alcohol use one month later among participants with high (vs. mean or low) levels of nonacceptance. Methods: Shortly after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the WHO and national emergency by the U.S. President (on March 11 and 13, 2020, respectively), a U.S. nationwide community sample completed a prospective online study, including an initial assessment from March 27-April 5, 2020 and a one-month follow-up from April 27-May 21. Measures included the Family Economic Strain Scale, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test. Participants included 254 adults reporting some alcohol use (50.4% women; mean age = 41.8). Results: Baseline financial strain was significantly positively associated with problematic alcohol use one month later only among participants with high (b =.06, SE =.03, p =.037) versus mean (b =.01, SE =.02, p =.677) or low (b = −.04, SE =.02, p =.110) emotional nonacceptance. Conclusion: Individuals experiencing financial strain in the context of COVID-19 may be at risk for problematic alcohol use if they are not accepting of their emotional distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The social and economic consequences of COVID‐19 and related public health interventions aimed at slowing the spread of the virus have been proposed to increase suicide risk. However, no research has examined these relations. This study examined the relations of two COVID‐19 consequences (i.e., stay‐at‐home orders and job loss) to suicide risk through thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and loneliness. Method: Online data from a nationwide community sample of 500 adults (mean age = 40) from 45 states were collected between March 27 and April 5, 2020. Participants completed measures assessing thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, loneliness, and suicide risk, as well as whether they (a) were currently under a stay‐at‐home order and (b) had experienced a recent job loss due to the pandemic. Results: Results revealed a significant indirect relation of stay‐at‐home order status to suicide risk through thwarted belongingness. Further, whereas recent job loss was significantly correlated with suicide risk, neither the direct relation of job loss to suicide risk (when accounting for their shared relations to perceived burdensomeness) nor the indirect relation through perceived burdensomeness was significant. Conclusions: Results highlight the potential benefits of interventions targeting thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness to offset suicide risk during this pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Theory and research suggest the need to expand research on emotion regulation (ER) within borderline personality disorder (BPD). This research examined the relations of BPD symptoms to interpersonal (venting, reassuranceseeking) and socially-oriented (social comparison) ER strategies (in addition to acceptance and avoidance), and explored the role of trait social comparison orientation (SCO) in these relations. Methods: In Study 1, a nationwide community sample of women completed questionnaires. In Study 2, a university sample of young women completed questionnaires and an online social interaction task (following which they reported on the strategies they used to regulate emotions during the task). Results: Results revealed significant indirect relations of BPD symptoms to venting and reassurance-seeking through trait SCO, reassurance seeking and social comparison through upward SCO, and the in-vivo use of downward social comparison and avoidance strategies during the social interaction task through upward SCO. Discussion: Results highlight the relevance of trait SCO (particularly upward SCO) to socially-oriented ER strategies among women with heightened BPD symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study examined the presence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a predictor of treatment response to dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) across the primary outcomes of interest within DBT (i.e., borderline personality disorder [BPD] symptoms, deliberate self‐harm, emotion regulation [ER] difficulties) and PTSD symptoms. Method: Participants (N = 56) were consecutive admissions to an outpatient DBT clinic that completed diagnostic interviews at intake and self‐report outcome measures at intake and every 3 months throughout the treatment. Results: Patients with (vs. without) a PTSD diagnosis did not report greater clinical severity at intake on most outcome measures, with the exception of PTSD symptom severity and, among older patients only, ER difficulties. The presence of a PTSD diagnosis was not associated with poorer treatment response to DBT. Instead, PTSD was associated with better response on the measure of BPD symptom severity. Conclusions: The results suggest that patients with PTSD can benefit from DBT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although past literature has emphasized the role of acquired capability in the relationship between nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) and suicide attempts, support for the indirect relationship of NSSI to suicide attempts through acquired capability is limited. Thus, research examining other factors that may underlie this relationship is needed. Across two studies, this research examined the indirect relationships of NSSI frequency to suicide attempts through both acquired capability and emotion regulation self‐efficacy (ERSE). Method: Two large samples of adults (one nationwide community sample and one clinical sample of patients with substance use disorders) completed questionnaires and/or interviews. Results: Results revealed significant indirect relationships of NSSI frequency to lifetime suicide attempts through ERSE, but not acquired capability, within both samples. Conclusions: Results highlight the relevance of ERSE to both suicide attempts and the NSSI‐suicide attempt relationship, and suggest the potential utility of interventions aimed at increasing ERSE among individuals with repeated NSSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the wide‐ranging negative consequences of nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI), there are few evidence‐based treatments for NSSI among adolescents and little is known about what treatments that work best for whom. The objective of this study was to investigate moderators (i.e., for whom a specific treatment works) and predictors (i.e., factors associated with treatment outcome independent of treatment type) of treatment outcome in a randomized clinical trial comparing internet‐delivered emotion regulation individual therapy for adolescents (IERITA) plus treatment as usual (TAU) to TAU alone. Methods: Adolescents (N = 166; mean [SD] age = 15.0 [1.2] years) with NSSI disorder were randomized to IERITA plus TAU (n = 84) or TAU‐only (n = 82). Adolescent emotion regulation difficulties, suicidality, NSSI frequency, depressive symptoms, sleep difficulties, global functioning, and age, and parental invalidation, were measured pre‐treatment and investigated as moderators and predictors of treatment outcome (i.e., NSSI frequency during treatment and for 4 weeks post‐treatment). A zero‐inflated negative binomial generalized linear mixed effects regression model was used to estimate the rate of NSSI change as a function of both treatment condition and moderator/predictor. Results: No significant moderators of treatment outcome were found. Parental invalidation was a significant predictor of treatment outcome regardless of treatment condition, such that high levels of parental invalidation pre‐treatment were associated with a less favorable NSSI frequency. Conclusions: We did not find evidence of a differential treatment effect as a function of any of the examined client factors. Future research should investigate moderation in larger samples and with sufficient statistical power to detect moderation effects of smaller magnitude. Results suggest that parental invalidation may have a negative impact on treatment response and highlight the importance of further investigating parental invalidation in the context of NSSI treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Despite strong support for the role of emotional relief in deliberate self-harm (DSH), no research has examined the impact of emotional distress on the strength of the DSH-relief association. Thus, it remains unclear whether the association of DSH with emotional relief is stable across emotional contexts or context-dependent. This study aimed to examine if the implicit DSH-relief association is stronger in the context of emotional distress (relative to a neutral emotional context).Methods: Young adult women with (n = 60) and without (n = 60) a history of recent recurrent DSH were randomly assigned to complete a novel version of the Implicit Association Test (IAT) assessing the DSH-relief association at baseline (following an initial neutral emotion induction) and again following either a neutral or negative (i.e., social rejection) emotion induction.Results: Consistent with hypotheses, the DSH-relief association was stronger among women with recent recurrent DSH (vs. those without DSH) at baseline. Contrary to hypotheses, however, whereas the DSH-relief association remained stable following both the neutral and negative emotion inductions among participants with DSH, it became stronger across both conditions for participants without DSH.Limitations: The use of a community sample of young adult women may limit generalizability to other relevant populations (e.g., clinical populations, young men, adolescents). Additionally, the negative emotion induction may not have been powerful enough to affect the strength of the learned DSH-relief association among individuals with a repeated history of DSH.Conclusions: Findings suggest that the repeated use of DSH to bring about emotional relief may engender associations of DSH with relief that are relatively insensitive to emotional context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) by proxy is the intentional destruction of one's own body tissue through the elicitation of another being's actions. Despite its clinical relevance, research on NSSI by proxy is limited and there are no available measures of this behavior. This research aimed to characterize NSSI by proxy among young adults and provide preliminary data on the validity of a new self-report measure, the NSSI by Proxy Questionnaire (NSSIBPQ). Two nationwide community samples of young adults (one general community sample and one with a history of traditional NSSI and suicidality) completed online studies. NSSI by proxy was reported by 18% of the general community sample and 45% of the self-injuring sample. Findings support the clinical relevance of NSSI by proxy and its potential to meet criteria for an NSSI disorder diagnosis. Results also provide preliminary support for the internal consistency and convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity of the NSSIBPQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite evidence of a relation between borderline personality disorder (BPD) pathology and physical health problems, the mechanisms underlying this relation remain unclear. Given evidence that emotion dysregulation may affect physical health by altering physiological functioning, one mechanism that warrants examination is emotion dysregulation. This study examined BPD symptoms as a prospective predictor of physical health symptoms 8 months later and the mediating role of emotion dysregulation in this relation. Participants completed three assessments over an 8-month period, including a BPD diagnostic interview. Results of analyses examining baseline predictors of later physical health symptoms revealed a significant unique association between baseline BPD symptom severity and physical health symptoms 8 months later, above and beyond baseline physical health symptoms, depression and anxiety symptoms, and emotion dysregulation. Moreover, structural equation modeling revealed a significant indirect relation of BPD symptoms at Wave 1 to physical health symptoms at Wave 3 through emotion dysregulation at Wave 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to evaluate if emotion dysregulation significantly mediates the relationships between childhood abuse and adult attachment and borderline personality disorder features, 354 community Italian adults were administered the Borderline Personality Inventory (Leichsenring, 1999a), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (Gratz & Roemer, 2004), the Child Abuse and Trauma Scale (Sanders & Becker-Lausen, 1995), and the Attachment Style Questionnaire (Feeney, Noller, & Hanrahan, 1994). Hierarchical regression analyses showed that both childhood abuse and adult attachment were positively associated with emotion dysregulation and borderline personality features; however, only emotional abuse and the attachment dimension of need for approval were common predictors of both dependent variables. No significant interaction effects were detected in regression analyses. Mediation analyses provided support for partial mediation, revealing a significant mediating role of emotion dysregulation in the relationships between both emotional abuse and need for approval and borderline personality features in this community sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: PTSD and cocaine dependence frequently co-occur. However, few studies have specifically examined the functional relation between trauma-related distress and cocaine use and none have examined the extent to which PTSD is associated with a learned association between trauma cues and cocaine or the underlying role of emotion regulation difficulties in this relation. Objectives: Thus, this study used a novel version of the Implicit Association Test (IAT) to examine the relation of PTSD symptoms to the strength of the trauma-cocaine cue association and the role of specific emotion regulation difficulties in this relation. Methods: A sample of 42 cocaine-dependent inpatients with a history of interpersonal traumatic exposure were recruited. Participants completed a series of questionnaires assessing PTSD symptom severity and emotion regulation difficulties. Participants then completed the IAT. Results: Results revealed a significant indirect relation of PTSD symptom severity to the strength of the trauma-cocaine cue association through the specific emotion regulation dimension of difficulties controlling impulsive behaviors when distressed. Conclusion/Importance: Results build upon extant research suggesting that factors related to emotional responding and regulation may underlie the relation between trauma-cue exposure and responses to cocaine cues among cocaine dependent patients with PTSD. The finding that PTSD symptom severity is associated with the strength of the trauma-cocaine cue association through one particular dimension of emotion regulation difficulties, difficulties controlling impulsive behaviors when distressed, highlight the potential utility of interventions focused on improving emotion regulation and impulse control abilities among trauma-exposed cocaine dependent patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the inclusion of nonsuicidal self-injury disorder (NSSID) in the DSM-5, research on NSSID is limited and no studies have examined the full set of DSM-5 NSSID diagnostic criteria. Thus, this study examined the reliability and validity of a new structured diagnostic interview for NSSID (the Clinician-Administered NSSI Disorder Index; CANDI) and provides information on the clinical characteristics and features of DSM-5 NSSID. Data on the interrater reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity of the CANDI and associated characteristics of NSSID were collected in a community sample of young adults (N = 107) with recent recurrent NSSI (≥10 lifetime episodes of NSSI, at least one episode in the past year). Participants completed self-report measures of NSSI characteristics, psychopathology, and emotion dysregulation, as well as diagnostic interviews of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and lifetime mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders. The CANDI demonstrated good interrater reliability and adequate internal consistency. Thirty-seven percent of participants met criteria for NSSID. NSSID was associated with greater clinical and diagnostic severity, including greater NSSI versatility, greater emotion dysregulation and psychopathology, and higher rates of BPD, bipolar disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and alcohol dependence. Findings provide support for the reliability, validity, and feasibility of the CANDI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the developmental and clinical relevance of this area of inquiry, no studies have examined the interrelations of trait vulnerabilities in the affective, behavioral, and interpersonal domains between mothers and their infants. Thus, this study examined the interrelations of three trait vulnerabilities (i.e., negative affective intensity, impulsivity, and insecure attachment) between mothers and their 12- to 23-month-old infants, focusing in particular on the unique and interactive influence of these maternal trait vulnerabilities on the expression of and precursors to these traits in their infants. Mother-infant dyads ( N = 101) completed several laboratory procedures, and mothers reported on their own and their infants' expressions of the trait vulnerabilities of interest. Findings from this study provide preliminary evidence for intergenerational relations between these traits and suggest that it is the confluence of trait vulnerabilities in mothers that relates to the early expression of some of these traits in infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotion regulation difficulties are a transdiagnostic construct relevant to numerous clinical difficulties. Although the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) is a multidimensional measure of maladaptive ways of responding to emotions, it focuses on difficulties with the regulation of negative emotions and does not assess emotion dysregulation in the form of problematic responding to positive emotions. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a measure of clinically relevant difficulties in the regulation of positive emotions (DERS-Positive). Findings revealed a three-factor structure and supported the internal consistency and construct validity of the total and subscale scores. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Despite growing evidence for the efficacy of Gratz and colleagues' emotion regulation group therapy (ERGT) for deliberate self-harm (DSH) among women with borderline personality disorder (BPD), the proposed mechanism of change in this treatment (i.e., emotion regulation) remains largely unexamined. This study examined change in emotion dysregulation as a mediator of the effects of this ERGT on DSH and BPD symptoms, as well as the extent to which change in emotion dysregulation during treatment predicts further improvements in DSH during a 9-month follow-up. Participants included 61 female outpatients with BPD and recent DSH who were randomly assigned to receive this ERGT in addition to their ongoing outpatient therapy immediately ( n = 31) or after 14 weeks ( n = 30). Measures of emotion dysregulation, DSH, and BPD symptoms were administered pre- and post-treatment or -waitlist, and at 9-months post-treatment (for participants in both conditions who received ERGT). Results from a series of mediation analyses provide further support for emotion regulation as a mechanism of change in this treatment. Specifically, results revealed that improvements in emotion dysregulation over the course of treatment mediated the observed reductions in BPD cognitive and affective symptoms during treatment and predicted further improvements in DSH during follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is associated with a proneness to unpleasant self-conscious emotions (SCE). Given that BPD is also associated with heightened rates of SCE-eliciting events (including unwanted sexual experiences), research examining the factors influencing SCE in response to these events is needed. This study examined associations between BPD pathology and SCE in response to adult unwanted sexual experiences among 303 community women. Extent of sharing about and perceived personal responsibility for the event were examined as moderators of the association between BPD and current event-related SCE. Both self-reported BPD symptom severity in the full sample and interview-based measures of BPD symptom count and diagnosis in a subsample ( n = 75) were associated with greater SCE at the event and currently. Moreover, in the subsample, both BPD symptom count and diagnosis were associated with heightened current SCE only when (a) extent of sharing was low or (b) perceived personal responsibility was high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is associated with a proneness to unpleasant self-conscious emotions (SCE). Given that BPD is also associated with heightened rates of SCE-eliciting events (including unwanted sexual experiences), research examining the factors influencing SCE in response to these events is needed. This study examined associations between BPD pathology and SCE in response to adult unwanted sexual experiences among 303 community women. Extent of sharing about and perceived personal responsibility for the event were examined as moderators of the association between BPD and current event-related SCE. Both self-reported BPD symptom severity in the full sample and interview-based measures of BPD symptom count and diagnosis in a subsample ( n = 75) were associated with greater SCE at the event and currently. Moreover, in the subsample, both BPD symptom count and diagnosis were associated with heightened current SCE only when (a) extent of sharing was low or (b) perceived personal responsibility was high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Although a wealth of literature has examined the role of emotion-related factors in deliberate self-harm (DSH), less is known about neurocognitive factors and DSH. In particular, despite theoretical literature suggesting that deficits in executive attention may contribute to engagement in DSH, studies have not yet examined the functioning of this attentional network among individuals with DSH. The present study sought to address this gap in the literature by examining the functioning of the alerting, orienting, and executive attentional networks among participants with a recent history of DSH (n=15), a past history of DSH (n=18), and no history of DSH (n=21). Controlling for borderline personality pathology and depression symptoms, participants with a recent history of DSH exhibited deficits in executive attention functioning relative to participants without any history of DSH. No differences were found in terms of performance on the alerting or orienting attentional networks. These results provide preliminary support for the association between executive attention deficits and DSH. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Individual and environmental correlates of nonsuicidal self-injury ( NSSI) and co-occurring suicide attempts ( SA) among incarcerated women ( N = 104) were examined. Participants completed measures of putative risk and protective factors, including coping styles, childhood maltreatment, and hopelessness. Results indicated that active coping was uniquely, negatively associated with the presence and frequency of NSSI, whereas avoidant coping and childhood physical/emotional abuse were positively associated with NSSI frequency. Conversely, among women with a history of NSSI, hopelessness was uniquely, positively associated with the presence and frequency of SA. Further, childhood sexual abuse was associated with the presence of SA, while physical/emotional abuse was associated with SA frequency. Hopelessness was more strongly related to SA frequency than NSSI frequency. These findings help disentangle the unique risk and protective factors for NSSI and co-occurring SA in incarcerated samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individual and environmental correlates of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and co-occurring suicide attempts (SA) among incarcerated women (N = 104) were examined. Participants completed measures of putative risk and protective factors, including coping styles, childhood maltreatment, and hopelessness. Results indicated that active coping was uniquely, negatively associated with the presence and frequency of NSSI, whereas avoidant coping and childhood physical/emotional abuse were positively associated with NSSI frequency. Conversely, among women with a history of NSSI, hopelessness was uniquely, positively associated with the presence and frequency of SA. Further, childhood sexual abuse was associated with the presence of SA, while physical/emotional abuse was associated with SA frequency. Hopelessness was more strongly related to SA frequency than NSSI frequency. These findings help disentangle the unique risk and protective factors for NSSI and co-occurring SA in incarcerated samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence suggests that maternal borderline personality (BP) pathology increases offspring risk. This study examined the relations between maternal BP pathology and related emotional dysfunction (including emotion regulation [ER] difficulties and emotional intensity/reactivity) and infant ER difficulties. Specifically, we examined both self-focused and caregiver-focused ER behaviors and the modulation of emotional expressions (one indicator of ER in young children) in response to fear- and anger-eliciting stimuli among 101 infants (12 to 23 months old) of mothers with and without clinically relevant BP pathology. The authors also examined the moderating role of mother-infant attachment. Findings of a series of multiple regression mediation analyses revealed an indirect effect of maternal BP pathology on infant ER difficulties through maternal emotional dysfunction, with maternal ER difficulties facilitating an indirect effect of maternal BP pathology on expressivity-related indicators of infant ER difficulties and maternal emotional intensity/reactivity linking maternal BP pathology to lower self-focused ER for infants in insecure-resistant attachment relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the present study was to examine the main and interactive effects of major depressive disorder (MDD), distress tolerance (DT), and gender on multiple indices of risky sexual behavior (RSB) within a sample of 185 substance dependent patients in residential substance abuse treatment. Participants were interviewed to establish current MDD (as well as other Axis I and II diagnoses) and completed a behavioral measure of DT, the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task-Computerized Version. Results provided evidence of a MDD × DT interaction for number of different past year commercial and casual sexual partners with which penetrative sex occurred. Post hoc analyses demonstrated that participants with current MDD and low DT reported the greatest number of commercial and casual sexual partners. Results highlight one psychological vulnerability (DT) that may improve our understanding of the complex relationship between depression and RSB. Treatment implications of findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to build upon existing research on interpersonal sensitivity in borderline personality disorder (BPD) by examining whether emotion dysregulation mediates the relationship between BPD and cognitive and emotional responses to social rejection. Participants with ( n = 53) and without ( n = 34) BPD reported on levels of negative affect and threat to four social needs (perceived control, belonging, selfesteem, and meaningful existence) in response to a laboratory-based social ostracism task (Cyberball). Results revealed heightened interpersonal (rejection) sensitivity among BPD (vs. non-BPD) participants, as evidenced by heightened threat to all social needs and nonspecific distress (although not overall negative affect) in response to the task. Furthermore, both overall emotion dysregulation and the specific dimensions involving emotion modulation strategies, emotional clarity, and the control of behaviors when distressed mediated the relationship between BPD status and several cognitive (threats to meaningful existence, belonging, and self-esteem) and emotional (nonspecific distress) responses to the task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the clinical importance of deliberate self-harm (DSH) within borderline personality disorder (BPD), there are few empirically supported treatments for this behavior among individuals with BPD; and those that do exist are difficult to implement in many clinical settings. Thus, Gratz and colleagues developed an adjunctive emotion regulation group therapy (ERGT) for women with BPD that directly targets both DSH and its proposed underlying mechanism of emotion dysregulation. Although previous studies support the use of this ERGT in reducing DSH, no studies have examined emotion regulation as a mechanism of change in this treatment. Therefore, this study examined the mediating role of changes in emotion dysregulation in DSH improvement across two separate trials of this ERGT. As hypothesized, changes in emotion dysregulation mediated the observed reductions in DSH frequency. Results provide support for the theoretical model underlying this ERGT and highlight the importance of targeting emotion dysregulation in treatments for DSH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Limited research has examined how temperamental (i.e., behavioral inhibition, anxiety sensitivity) and cognitive (i.e., interpretive and judgment biases) risks for the development anxiety covary to influence anxiety symptoms. Thus, the present study aimed to advance understanding of the direct and indirect links between anxiety sensitivity, behavioral inhibition, and interpretive biases, and judgment biases (in the form of perceived control) to anxiety outcomes (i.e., worry and trait anxiety symptoms). Method: 842 emerging adults (mean = 18.75 years, standard deviation = 1.05; age range = 18-24; 70% women) recruited from a university in the northeast participated in this study. Participants completed a battery of self-report measures assessing risk factors and anxiety outcomes of interest. Results: Structural equation modeling revealed anxiety sensitivity and behavioral inhibition were directly linked with anxiety outcomes. Anxiety sensitivity and behavioral inhibition were also indirectly linked with anxiety outcomes through interpretive and judgment biases. The hypothesized model was partially invariant across high-risk and low-risk groups for anxiety disorders. Conclusions: Results of this study provide preliminary support for theoretical models hypothesizing a developmental progression from temperamental to cognitive risks and culminating in the expression of anxiety symptoms. Limitations and clinical implications of this research are discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Clin. Psychol. 00:1-20, 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Despite increasing evidence for an association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and deliberate self-harm (DSH), few studies have examined the factors that moderate this association or the impact of co-occurring personality disorders among individuals with PTSD on DSH frequency. Given the high rates of co-occurrence between PTSD and two personality disorders of particular relevance to DSH, borderline personality disorder (BPD) and avoidant personality disorder (AVPD), this study examined the moderating role of these personality disorders in the association between PTSD and DSH frequency among a sample of substance use disorder patients (N=61). Patients completed structured clinical interviews assessing PTSD, BPD, and AVPD and a questionnaire assessing DSH. Results revealed more frequent DSH among patients with (vs. without) PTSD and provided evidence for the moderating role of AVPD in this association. Specifically, results revealed heightened levels of DSH only among PTSD patients with co-occurring AVPD. Findings are consistent with past research demonstrating that the presence of co-occurring AVPD among patients with other Axis I and II disorders is associated with worse outcomes, and highlight the importance of continuing to examine the moderating role of AVPD in the association between PTSD and a variety of health-risk behaviors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Psychological distress tolerance, the ability to persist in goal directed activity when experiencing psychological distress, is associated with poor substance use treatment outcomes including drug and alcohol treatment dropout and relapse. Objective: The current study examines if a brief distress tolerance intervention that was specifically developed as an adjunctive treatment for patients in residential substance abuse treatment shows efficacy in improving the patients’ distress tolerance. Methods: Seventy-six individuals who were receiving treatment at a residential substance use treatment facility and indexed low distress tolerance on laboratory distress tolerance measures were randomized into three conditions: treatment-as-usual (TAU), six sessions of Supportive Counseling (SC), or six sessions of the novel distress tolerance treatment, Skills for Improving Distress Intolerance (SIDI). Measures: Patients were assessed at baseline for DSM-IV psychiatric diagnoses, DSM-IV substance use disorders, distress tolerance, and depressive symptoms. Patients were again assessed at posttreatment. Therapeutic alliance and treatment expectancies and credibility were also assessed at posttreatment. Results: Patients who received SIDI (n =28) evidenced significantly greater improvements than SC (n =24) and TAU participants (n =24) on the distress tolerance laboratory measures, even when controlling for changes in negative affect (in the form of depression). Additionally, a higher percentage of patients in SIDI reached clinically significant improvement compared to patients in SC and TAU. Conclusion: This study supports the efficacy of SIDI in improving distress tolerance levels among individuals with drug and alcohol use disorders currently receiving residential substance use treatment. SIDI appears to be a brief and feasible intervention for use within inpatient substance use facilities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Research is increasingly focusing on identifying factors distinguishing patients who complete vs. dropout of residential substance abuse treatment. One potentially relevant factor that has received relatively little attention is borderline personality disorder (BPD). Methods: This study sought to examine the effect of BPD on residential substance abuse treatment dropout within a sample of 159 male patients with substance use disorders—a population often understudied with regard to BPD and at high-risk for treatment dropout. Patients were administered a structured diagnostic interview to establish BPD diagnoses. Patients were then followed throughout the course of residential substance abuse treatment to identify those who completed treatment and those who prematurely dropped out of treatment. Results: Patients with BPD were significantly more likely to prematurely dropout of treatment, and this finding remained even when taking into account relevant covariates (i.e., court-ordered treatment status, contract duration, and major depressive disorder). Further, patients with BPD were more likely to experience center-initiated dropout as opposed to voluntary withdrawal from treatment. Conclusions: These findings add to the literature on BPD–SUD co-occurrence, suggesting that the presence of co-occurring BPD among male SUD patients may increase the risk for dropout from residential substance abuse treatment, necessitating targeted interventions focused on decreasing dropout within this patient subgroup. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study sought to extend extant research on the association between borderline personality (BP) pathology and at-risk parenting by examining the dynamic nature of parenting in response to infant distress in mothers with and without clinically relevant levels of BP pathology. Findings revealed that mothers with clinically relevant levels of BP pathology were less likely than those without BP pathology to display positive affect in response to infant distress. There were no differences in the overall likelihood of insensitive parenting behaviors as a function of BP pathology, either in general or in response to infant distress. However, consistent with literature emphasizing the transactional nature of parent-child relationships, findings revealed that the likelihood of insensitive parenting behaviors among mothers with clinically relevant levels of BP pathology changed over time, increasing significantly as infant distress persisted for longer durations (a pattern not present for mothers without BP pathology). Moreover, maternal responses to infant distress were found to influence infant distress, with the likelihood of infant distress decreasing after maternal positive affect and increasing after maternal insensitive behaviors. The implications of findings for understanding the mechanisms of risk for children of mothers with BP pathology, as well as the transactional nature of mother-infant relationships in general, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Most of the extant literature on borderline personality disorder has focused on the course, consequences, and correlates of this disorder among adults. However, little is known about childhood borderline personality (BP) features, or the factors associated with the emergence of BP pathology in childhood. A greater understanding of childhood BP features and associated risk factors has important implications for the development of primary and secondary prevention programs. The goal of the present study was to examine the interrelationships among two BP-relevant traits (affective dysfunction and impulsivity), a BP-relevant environmental stressor (emotional abuse), and BP features in a sample of 225 children aged 11 to 14 years. Results provide support for the role of both trait vulnerabilities and environmental stressors in childhood BP features. Further, findings highlight the moderating role of affective dysfunction in the relationship between emotional abuse and childhood BP features. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study examined associations between BIS–FFFS, BAS dimensions, and emotion regulation (ER) assessed across self-report and behavioral domains among 101 adults. Findings revealed significant associations among the various ER assessments, as well as between ER and BIS–FFFS and BAS dimensions. As expected, BIS–FFFS was positively associated with self-reported ER difficulties, and, among women, BIS–FFFS was negatively associated with a behavioral measure of ER assessing the willingness to experience distress in order to pursue goal-directed behavior. BAS had a more complex association with ER, with certain BAS dimensions (e.g., Drive among women, Fun-Seeking) demonstrating unique positive associations with adaptive ER and other dimensions demonstrating negative associations with adaptive ER. Findings suggest the relevance of individual variations in BIS–FFFS and BAS to ER difficulties, as well as potential pathways through which sensitivity to punishment and reward may contribute to psychopathology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Despite the emphasis on the role of emotion dysregulation in deliberate self-harm (DSH), no studies have examined this association among patients with substance use disorders (SUD). This study examined if emotion dysregulation is heightened among SUD inpatients with (vs. without) DSH, and if the association between DSH and emotion dysregulation remains significant when controlling for their shared association with risk factors for both, including borderline personality disorder (BPD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), childhood abuse, and substance use severity. Findings indicate heightened emotion dysregulation among SUD patients with (vs. without) DSH, and provide evidence of a unique association between emotion dysregulation and DSH when controlling for BPD, PTSD, childhood abuse, and substance use severity. Findings also highlight the particular relevance of three dimensions of emotion dysregulation to DSH among SUD patients: limited access to effective emotion regulation strategies, difficulties engaging in goal-directed behaviors when distressed, and emotional nonacceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study investigated the heterogeneity of borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms in a sample f 382 inner-city, predominantly African American male substance users through the use of latent class analysis. A 4-class model was statistically preferred, with I class interpreted to be a baseline class, I class interpreted to be a high-BPD class, and 2 classes interpreted as intermediate classes. As a secondary goal, we examined the resulting BPD classes with respect to relevant clinical correlates, including temperamental vulnerabilities (affective instability, impulsivity, and interpersonal instability), childhood emotional abuse, drug choice, and co-occurring mood and anxiety disorders. The high-BPD class evidenced the highest levels of the temperamental vulnerabilities and environmental stressors, the baseline class evidenced the lowest levels, and the 2 intermediate classes fell in between. In addition, the high-BPD class had a higher probability of cocaine and alcohol dependence, as well as mood and anxiety disorders, than did the baseline class. Rates of alcohol use and mood disorders for the intermediate classes fell in between the high-BPD and the baseline classes. Results are discussed in relation to the current diagnostic conceptualization of BPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the clinical relevance of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors (SITB) among youth, little is known about the subset of youth most at-risk for SITB. This study examined the moderating roles of gender, racial/ethnic background, and school-level (and their interactions) on rates of SITB within a large ( N = 2638, 52.2% female), ethnically-diverse sample of middle- and high-school youth in a relatively poor and underserved area of the Southern United States. Extending extant research in this area, findings indicated a significant interaction between gender and race for self-injurious behaviors, with African–American boys reporting higher rates than all other groups. Findings also indicated significant interactions between school-level and both gender and race for self-injurious thoughts. Whereas comparable levels of self-injurious thoughts were reported across middle- and high-schools for girls and African–American youth, the frequency of these thoughts was higher among both boys and White students in high-school (vs. middle-school). Results highlight the need for further research on SITB among diverse youth in underserved areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: High rates of co-occurrence between posttraumatic stress (PTS) and substance use disorders (SUDs) have led to the suggestion that substance use among individuals experiencing PTS symptoms might serve a self-medication function. However, research is still needed to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the unique associations between PTS symptom clusters and substances (licit and illicit) with both anxiolytic/depressant and stimulant properties. Consequently, this study examined the relationship between severity of different PTS symptom clusters and heroin, crack/cocaine, and alcohol dependence among 48 treatment-seeking SUD patients with a history of traumatic exposure. No evidence was found for a relationship between PTS symptom clusters and crack/cocaine or alcohol dependence; however, results suggested a relationship between hyperarousal and avoidance (inversely related) symptoms and heroin dependence. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for understanding motivations underlying the substance of choice among individuals with PTS symptoms, as well as the development of treatments for co-occurring PTS and SUDs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although research has been conducted on the course, consequences, and correlates of borderline personality disorder (BPD), little is known about its emergence in childhood, and no studies have examined the extent to which theoretical models of the pathogenesis of BPD in adults are applicable to the correlates of borderline personality symptoms in children. The goal of this study was to examine the interrelationships between two BPD-relevant personality traits (affective dysfunction and disinhibition), self- and emotion-regulation deficits, and childhood borderline personality symptoms among 263 children aged 9 to 13. We predicted that affective dysfunction, disinhibition, and their interaction would be associated with childhood borderline personality symptoms, and that self- and emotion-regulation deficits would mediate these relationships. Results provided support for the roles of both affective dysfunction and disinhibition (in the form of sensation seeking) in childhood borderline personality symptoms, as well as their hypothesized interaction. Further, both self- and emotion-regulation deficits partially mediated the relationship between affective dysfunction and childhood borderline personality symptoms. Finally, results provided evidence of different gender-based pathways to childhood borderline personality symptoms, suggesting that models of BPD among adults are more relevant to understanding the factors associated with borderline personality symptoms among girls than boys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The concept of emotion dysregulation has been integrated into theory and treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD), despite limited empirical support. Expanding upon existing research on the relationship between emotion dysregulation and BPD, the present study utilized a multimodal approach to the assessment of emotion dysregulation (including two behavioral measures of the willingness to tolerate emotional distress, and a self-report measure of emotion dysregulation broadly defined) to examine the relationship between emotion dysregulation and BPD among inner-city substance users in residential treatment (n =76, with 25 meeting criteria for BPD). Results provide laboratory-based evidence for heightened emotion dysregulation in BPD, extending extant research on BPD to underserved clinical populations. Specifically, the presence of a BPD diagnosis among a sample of inner-city inpatient substance users was associated with both higher scores on the self-report measure of emotion dysregulation and less willingness to tolerate emotional distress on the behavioral measures of emotion dysregulation. Moreover, both self-report and behavioral measures of emotion dysregulation accounted for unique variance in BPD status, suggesting the importance of utilizing comprehensive assessments of emotion dysregulation within studies of BPD. Findings suggest the need to further explore the role of emotion dysregulation in the development and maintenance of BPD among inner-city substance users in residential treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Although research on the temperamental vulnerabilities associated with borderline personality disorder (BPD) has focused primarily on the role of impulsive-aggression, affective instability, and emotional vulnerability, growing evidence suggests that anxiety sensitivity (AS) also may increase vulnerability for BPD. This study provides preliminary data on the relationship between AS and BPD, examining whether AS distinguishes outpatients with BPD from outpatients without a personality disorder (non-PD), and whether the relationship between AS and BPD is mediated by experiential avoidance (i.e., attempts to avoid unwanted internal experiences, such as anxiety). Findings indicate that BPD outpatients reported higher levels of AS than non-PD outpatients and AS reliably distinguished between these two groups. Furthermore, the relationship between AS and BPD was mediated by experiential avoidance. Finally, results indicate that AS (and experiential avoidance as a mediator) accounted for a significant amount of additional variance in BPD status above and beyond both negative affect and two well-established temperamental vulnerabilities for BPD (affect intensity/reactivity and impulsivity). Findings suggest the need to further explore the role of AS in the pathogenesis of BPD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study examined the role of experiential avoidance and difficulties engaging in goal-directed behavior when distressed in the relationship between anxiety sensitivity (AS) and depressive symptom severity. A sample of 391 undergraduate students completed a series of questionnaires assessing the constructs of interest. Results provided support for a model where experiential avoidance and difficulties engaging in goal-directed behavior mediate the relationship between the AS dimensions of fear of cognitive dyscontrol and fear of publicly observable anxiety reactions and depressive symptom severity. The ability of this model to distinguish participants (N =53) reporting clinical levels of depression from those without (N =53) was then examined. The model was found to reliably distinguish between participants with and without clinical levels of depression. However, only experiential avoidance was a significant mediator. Implications for research on the role of AS in depression vulnerability and treatment are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Although problems with emotional functioning are considered central to borderline personality disorder (BPD), it is only recently that studies have begun utilizing laboratory biobehavioral measures (including neuroimaging and psychophysiological measures) to examine emotional responding in BPD. The application of basic science methodologies used in a systematic program of research to investigate clinically relevant phenomena, often called translational research, holds much promise in advancing the assessment and treatment of BPD. In this paper, we begin with an overview of the research on self-reported emotional responding in BPD. Next, we outline the advantages that translational research has over traditional self-report methodology in furthering an understanding of emotional responding in BPD, and review the extant laboratory studies of emotional responding in BPD. Finally, problems commonly encountered when conducting translational research on emotion in BPD are outlined, and solutions to these problems are offered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Clinically useful definitions of emotion regulation with respect to deliberate self-harm (referred to here as self-injury) focus on adaptive ways of responding to emotional distress rather than on the control of emotions or dampening of emotional arousal. According to one such definition, emotion regulation is a multifaceted construct involving a) the awareness, understanding, and acceptance of emotions; b) ability to engage in goal-directed behaviors, and inhibit impulsive behaviors, when experiencing negative emotions; c) the flexible use of situationally appropriate strategies to modulate the intensity and/or duration of emotional responses rather than to eliminate emotions entirely; and d) willingness to experience negative emotions as part of pursuing meaningful activities in life (Gratz & Roemer, 2004). This article addresses the role of emotion dysregulation in self-injury and discusses two treatments for self-injury that explicitly focus on increasing emotion regulation. These treatments are based on the premise that the reduction of emotion dysregulation will decrease the need for maladaptive behaviors that function to regulate emotions, such as self-injury. A case illustration describing how one of these treatments (an acceptance-based, emotion regulation group therapy) is used to treat self-injury is provided. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 63: 1091–1103, 2007. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the theorized centrality of experiential avoidance in abuse-related psychopathology, empirical examinations of the relationship between childhood abuse and experiential avoidance remain limited. The present study adds to the extant literature on this relationship, providing a laboratory-based investigation of the relationships between childhood sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, experiential avoidance (indexed as unwillingness to persist on 2 psychologically distressing laboratory tasks), and self-reported emotional nonacceptance among a sample of 76 inner-city treatment-seeking substance users. As hypothesized, results provide evidence for heightened experiential avoidance and emotional nonacceptance among individuals with moderate-severe sexual, physical, and emotional abuse (compared to individuals reporting none-low abuse). However, although emotional nonacceptance was associated with increased risk for experiential avoidance, it mediated the relationship between childhood abuse and experiential avoidance only for emotional abuse. As such, results suggest that one mechanism through which emotional abuse in particular leads to experiential avoidance is emotional nonacceptance. Findings suggest the utility of interventions aimed at decreasing experiential avoidance and promoting emotional acceptance among abused individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the prominent role of emotion dysregulation in theoretical accounts of borderline personality disorder (BPD), few studies have examined emotion dysregulation in BPD. This study extends extant research by providing an experimental investigation of emotion dysregulation among outpatients with BPD. Specifically, this study modified an experimental measure of distress tolerance to examine differences between outpatients with BPD (n = 17) and those without a personality disorder (n = 18) in 2 aspects of emotion dysregulation: (a) the unwillingness to experience emotional distress in order to pursue goal-directed behavior and (b) the inability to engage in goal-directed behavior when distressed. As hypothesized, BPD participants were less willing to experience distress in order to pursue goal-directed behavior. However, BPD participants did not evidence greater difficulties engaging in goal-directed behavior when distressed. Results highlight directions for future research and suggest that particular aspects of emotion dysregulation may be more or less relevant to BPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is widely considered the result of biological vulnerability arid environmental adversity. Despite growing evidence for the role of several temperamental and environmental risk factors in the development of BPD, the unique contribution of each to the development of this disorder remains unclear. Furthermore, the extent to which these factors are associated with BPD among underserved and diverse populations is unknown. The current study examined the temperamental and environmental factors uniquely associated with BPD among a sample of 93 inner-city individuals receiving residential substance use treatment. Results indicate that BPD was associated with higher impulsivity and emotional instability/vulnerability, lower well-being, arid several interpersonal manifestations of positive and negative temperament (i.e., greater alienation and lower achievement and social closeness). BPD was also associated with several forms of childhood maltreatment, including emotional and physical abuse and neglect. However, only emotional instability or vulnerability, impulsivity, and emotional abuse emerged as unique predictors of BPD status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the clinical importance of deliberate self-harm, research on the risk factors for self-harm among nonclinical populations has been limited. This study examined the role of childhood maltreatment, emotional inexpressivity, and affect intensity/reactivity in the self-harm behavior of 249 female college students. Childhood maltreatment and low positive affect intensity/reactivity reliably distinguished women with frequent self-harm from women with no history of self-harm, as did the combination of greater maltreatment, greater inexpressivity, and higher levels of affect intensity/reactivity (global and negative). Among women with a history of self-harm, emotional inexpressivity was associated with more frequent self-harm, as was the combination of greater maltreatment, greater inexpressivity, and lower levels of positive affect intensity/reactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and deliberate self-harm are clinically important conditions for which additional economically and clinically feasible interventions are needed. Literature on both the emotion regulating and experientially avoidant function of self-harm and the role of emotional dysfunction in BPD provided the rationale for developing a group intervention targeting emotion dysregulation among self-harming women with BPD. This study provides preliminary data on the efficacy of this new, 14-week, emotion regulation group intervention, designed to teach self-harming women with BPD more adaptive ways of responding to their emotions so as to reduce the frequency of their self-harm behavior. Participants were matched on level of emotion dysregulation and lifetime frequency of self-harm and randomly assigned to receive this group in addition to their current outpatient therapy (N = 12), or to continue with their current outpatient therapy alone for 14 weeks (N = 10). Results indicate that the group intervention had positive effects on self-harm, emotion dysregulation, experiential avoidance, and BPD-specific symptoms, as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Participants in the group treatment condition evidenced significant changes over time on all measures, and reached normative levels of functioning on most. While these preliminary results are promising, the study's limitations require their replication in a larger-scale randomized controlled trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]