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Negative Affect and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

Authors :
Benjamin A. Swerdlow
Jennifer G. Pearlstein
Devon B. Sandel
Sheri L. Johnson
Source :
The Oxford Handbook of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury ISBN: 9780197611272
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
Oxford University Press, 2023.

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.

Details

ISBN :
978-0-19-761127-2
ISBNs :
9780197611272
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
The Oxford Handbook of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury ISBN: 9780197611272
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........c8219b9d47646dffe26353c2b5e8f092
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780197611272.013.13