Does shame influence nonsuicidal self-injury among college students? An investigation into the role of shame, negative urgency, and brooding

ABSTRACT

College students experience high levels of life stress that put them at increased risk for nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). It is important to understand which vulnerabilities put students most at risk, in order to inform treatment in college counseling centers. This study investigated the joint contributions of specific vulnerabilities to lifetime history and frequency of NSSI among a sample of undergraduates (50% reported a history of NSSI). Results showed shame-proneness was uniquely associated with NSSI frequency beyond other negative emotions. Negative urgency and brooding exacerbated this effect. This study provides insights into the contributions of specific vulnerabilities to NSSI and implications for practice.

KEYWORDS:

• Nonsuicidal self-injury
• self-harm
• shame-proneness
• negative urgency
• brooding
• college students