Changes in Negative Affect Following Pain (vs. Nonpainful) Stimulation in Individuals With and Without a History of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury
Abstract
Theoretical models of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI; i.e., purposeful destruction of body
tissue without suicidal intent) suggest that individuals engage in NSSI in order to regulate
intense emotions. However, empirical support for these models is limited. This study
attempted to address previous limitations by comparing the emotional response to a mood
induction and pain (vs. nonpainful) heat stimulation in individuals with history ofNSSI
(vs. no history of NSSI) following a negative mood induction. It was predicted that
individuals with a history ofNSSI would have a larger increase in negative emotion
following the mood induction, and individuals with a history of NSSI who are exposed to a
painful stimuli would have the largest decrease in negative emotions compared to the other
three groups. Though the first hypothesis was not supported, the second hypothesis
received partial support. Clinical implications and future research directions are discussed.