Citation

Knorr AC, Ammerman BA, Hamilton AJ, McCloskey MS. Psychiatry Res. 2019; 273: 514-522.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, Temple University, 1701 N. 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.psychres.2019.01.067

PMID

30708203

Abstract

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal thoughts and behavior often co-occur, representing a growing public health concern. Despite extensive research examining suicidal thoughts and behavior among those who engage in NSSI, there is a lack of research investigating factors that, when considered together, can differentiate individuals along the continuum of suicidal thoughts and behavior (no history, suicidal ideation, suicide plan, suicide attempt). This study sought to address this question using a sample of 1178 college students with NSSI history (68.70% female). Discriminant function analysis was conducted including the following predictors: NSSI characteristics, negative affect difficulties, and behavioral and demographic risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behavior.

RESULTS suggest that self-disclosure of suicidal ideation, number of lifetime NSSI methods, NSSI frequency, depressive symptoms, and age most parsimoniously differentiate study groups. Those who use a greater number of NSSI methods and acts, paired with higher depressive symptoms and repeated self-disclosure of suicidal ideation are most likely to have a suicide attempt history; decreases in these variables suggest membership within less severe groups. Furthermore, older age may be related to greater suicidality.

FINDINGS suggest that the evaluation and co-occurrence of these variables may contribute to a more accurate suicide risk assessment.

Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Emotion dysregulation; NSSI method; Self-disclosure; Suicidal ideation; Suicide attempt; Suicide plan