Citation

Jarvi SM, Hearon BA, Batejan KL, Gironde S, Björgvinsson T. J. Clin. Psychol. (Hoboken) 2016; 73(4): 479-488.

Affiliation

McLean Hospital.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/jclp.22342

PMID

27391124

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This research study examines the relationship between past-week physical activity and recent (i.e., within the past 30 days) nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in a sample of treatment-seeking adults.  METHOD: Participants included 353 (49.29% female; mean age = 35.16 years) adults attending a partial hospitalization program for acute psychiatric issues. Data were extracted from the program's admission battery of computer-based self-report measures completed by each participant on the first treatment day.

RESULTS: Participants with a recent history of NSSI (i.e., within the past 30 days) engaged in significantly less past-week physical activity than those without a history of NSSI. Group differences remained significant while controlling for anxiety, but not depression.

CONCLUSION: Results suggest that, on average, individuals who have never engaged in NSSI exercise more in the week prior to entering the partial hospital program than those who have a recent history of NSSI. Regular physical activity may be an interesting area of study to explore as a promising adjunctive intervention for NSSI (e.g., vigorous exercise as a way to tolerate distress and manage urges to self-injure).

© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Language: en