Faculty Publications

Past And Recent Deliberate Self-Harm: Emotion And Coping Strategy Differences

Document Type

Article

Keywords

Coping, Emotion, Nonclinical, Self-harm

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Journal of Clinical Psychology

Volume

63

Issue

9

First Page

791

Last Page

803

Abstract

Only limited information on nonsuicidal deliberate self-harm behavior among nonclinical populations is available, and it is unclear whether coping and emotional difficulties remain among those with a past history of self-harm behavior. The purpose of this study is to examine emotions and coping strategies among three nonclinical groups with a recent, past, and no history of nonsuicidal deliberate self-harm behavior. College students completed self-report measures of self-harm behavior, suicidal thoughts, emotional dispositions, and coping strategies. Contrary to expectations, there were few differences in coping strategies among the three groups (p > .0033). Those with a recent history (n = 23; in the last 12 months) and past history (n = 32; more than 12 months ago) of self-harm behavior reported greater levels of negative emotion (e.g., hostility, guilt, sadness) than those who have never self-harmed (n = 161; p < .0045). This indicates that although self-harm behavior had discontinued (> 12 months ago), negative emotion differences were present, and both recent and past self-harmers merit concern in managing their negative emotions to lower their risk for future difficulties. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Department

Department of Psychology

Original Publication Date

9-1-2007

DOI of published version

10.1002/jclp.20380

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