Investigating the Role of Self-Disgust in Nonsuicidal Self-Injury |
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| Authors: | Noelle B Smith Ashton M Steele Meara L Weitzman Ana F Trueba Alicia E Meuret |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USAnbassi@mail.smu.edu;3. Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA |
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| Abstract: | Self-directed disgust, a component of self-criticism, may present an important, yet unexplored emotion in the context of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). The aim of this study was to examine the role of self-disgust in NSSI, specifically as a potential mediator in the relations between depression and NSSI as well as sexual abuse and NSSI, and to also better understand characteristics that might differentiate recent and past self-injurers. A total of 549 college students completed measures assessing NSSI, self-disgust, depression, anxiety sensitivity, and physical and sexual abuse. Results indicated self-disgust fully mediated the relation between depressive symptoms and NSSI status and partially mediated the relation between sexual abuse and NSSI status. Additionally, compared to past self-injurers (4.6%; n = 25), recent self-injurers (6.4%; n = 35) endorsed significantly higher self-disgust and depressive symptoms. Self-disgust may be an important component in NSSI and should be addressed in treatment. |
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| Keywords: | depression nonsuicidal self-injury physical abuse self-disgust sexual abuse |
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