Transdiagnostic mechanisms involved in nonsuicidal self-injury, risky drinking and disordered eating: Impulsivity, emotion regulation and alexithymia

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to explore common and differential relationships between nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), risky drinking, and disordered eating attitudes and impulsivity, emotion dysregulation, and alexithymia. Methods: We investigated these associations in a sample of 951 college students (79.4% female, Mage = 21.86 years) by means of self-report questionnaires assessing the constructs of interest. Results: Overall, 28% of the students reported a history of NSSI, one third engaged in risky drinking, and less than 5% reported disordered eating symptoms. Negative urgency and difficulties in emotion regulation were both related to each of the three behaviors and can be considered as common transdiagnostic mechanisms. Conclusions: We discuss the implications of transdiagnostic mechanisms involved in these three dysregulated behaviors with respect to their assessment and treatment in college counseling settings.

Keywords:

• NSSI
• risky drinking
• disordered eating
• impulsivity
• emotion regulation
• alexithymia

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of Australia and received approval from Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee.