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Thoughts and Beliefs about Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: An Application of Social Cognitive Theory

Thoughts and Beliefs about Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: An Application of Social Cognitive Theory

Authors :
Dawkins, Jessica C.
Hasking, Penelope A.
Boyes, Mark E.
Source :
Journal of American College Health. 2021 69(4):428-434.
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

Objectives: According to Social Cognitive Theory, the anticipated consequences of a behavior (outcome expectancies), coupled with our belief in our ability to successfully perform the behavior (self-efficacy), determine the likelihood of engagement in a behavior. We explored whether the relationship between nonsuicidal self-injury outcome expectancies and self-injury was moderated by self-efficacy to resist nonsuicidal self-injury. Participants: Five hundred and sixteen college students aged 18-26 years (M=20.60, SD=1.86). Methods: Self-report measures were completed online. Results: The relationship between expecting self-injury would result in pain or emotion regulation and engaging in self-injury was moderated by a belief in the ability to resist self-injury. People who had never self-injured were more likely to believe that self-injury would cause physical pain and believe they could resist self-injury. A belief in the ability to resist self-injury countered expectations that self-injury would result in emotion regulation. Conclusion: Results may inform college-based prevention and intervention efforts.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0744-8481
Volume :
69
Issue :
4
Database :
ERIC
Journal :
Journal of American College Health
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
EJ1297086
Document Type :
Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2019.1679817