Testing an Integrative Model of Affect Regulation and Avoidance in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Disordered Eating

Abstract

This research tested a model that integrates risk factors among non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and eating disorder (ED) behaviors with the aim of elucidating possible shared and unique mechanisms underlying both behaviors. Emotional distress, limited access to emotion regulation (ER) strategies, experiential avoidance, and NSSI/ED frequency were examined in a sample of 230 female undergraduates. Structural equation modeling indicated that limited access to ER strategies and avoidance mediated relationship between emotional distress and avoidance, which in turn was associated with NSSI and ED behaviors. Results suggest NSSI and ED behaviors may serve similar emotion regulation functions, and specifically highlight the role of experiential avoidance in these behaviors.

Keywords:

• eating disorders
• emotion regulation
• experiential avoidance
• non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)

Notes

¹In this introduction, NSSI will be used synonymously with Deliberate Self-Harm (DSH).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nicholas L. Anderson

Nicholas L. Anderson, California School of Professional Psychology, Fresno, California, USA.

Kathryn E. Smith

Kathryn E. Smith, Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Fargo and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Fargo, North Dakota, USA.

Tyler B. Mason

Tyler B. Mason, Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Fargo, and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Fargo, North Dakota, USA.

Janis H. Crowther

Janis H. Crowther, Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA.