Citation

Ford JD, Gómez JM. J. Trauma Dissociation 2015; 16(3): 232-271.

Affiliation

University of Connecticut School of Medicine , Department of Psychiatry.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15299732.2015.989563

PMID

25758363

Abstract

We review research on the relationship of exposure to psychological trauma, with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidality (suicidal ideation [SI], and suicide attempts [SA]) in individuals with dissociative disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The review provides a context for the Special Issue of the Journal of Trauma and Dissociation on these topics. Exposure to childhood sexual abuse was the most consistent traumatic antecedent of self-harm, although traumatic violence in childhood (particularly physical abuse) and adulthood (particularly domestic violence) and exposure to multiple types of traumatic stressors also were associated with NSSI and SI/SA. Dissociative disorders and PTSD are consistently associated with increased NSSI and SA/SI. There is preliminary cross-sectional evidence that dissociation and posttraumatic stress disorders may mediate the relationship between psychological trauma and NSSI and SI/SA. Research on emotion dysregulation as a potential cross-cutting mechanism linking dissociation, PTSD, and self-harm is also reviewed. We conclude with discussion of implications for clinical practice and future directions for scientific research.

Language: en