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Published in:

01-03-2010

Emotion Regulation, Coping and Alcohol Use as Moderators in the Relationship Between Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Psychological Distress

Authors: Fiona Williams, Penelope Hasking

Published in: Prevention Science | Issue 1/2010

Abstract

Non-suicidal self-injury is a risk factor for more severe self-injury and later suicide, yet is relatively under-researched in non-clinical populations. In order to prevent more severe self-injury and later suicide, understanding of non-suicidal self-injury is imperative. This study aimed to examine whether coping skills, emotion regulation and alcohol use moderate the relationship between psychological distress and non-suicidal self-injury. Two hundred eighty-nine young adults completed self-report questionnaires assessing the variables of interest. Of the sample, 47.4% reported a history of non-suicidal self-injury. Adaptive coping strategies protected those who were psychologically distressed from severe self-injury. However for those who reported greater distress, this protective effect was negated by heavy alcohol use. Coping skills training may serve to protect young people from self-injury, although those who are severely distressed may also benefit from strategies to limit alcohol use.

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Title: Emotion Regulation, Coping and Alcohol Use as Moderators in the Relationship Between Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Psychological Distress
Authors: Fiona Williams
Penelope Hasking
Publication date: 01-03-2010
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Prevention Science / Issue 1/2010
Print ISSN: 1389-4986
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6695
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-009-0147-8

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Emotion Regulation, Coping and Alcohol Use as Moderators in the Relationship Between Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Psychological Distress

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