The path of intra- and interpersonal factors to nonsuicidal self injury (NSSI) through emotional distress with emotion regulation as a buffer: A moderated-mediation study

• Main Author: Igmen, Jan Kamille D.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2024
• Subjects: Self-injurious behavior; Liability for emotional distress; Clinical Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdm_psych/63; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/context/etdm_psych/article/1062/viewcontent/2024_Igmen_The_Path_of_Intra__and_Interpersonal_Factors_to_NonSuicidal_Self.pdf
• Institution: De La Salle University

The growing prevalence of deliberate self-harm without suicidal intent, known as Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (NSSI), has sparked significant concern among mental health professionals. However, there are only a few studies that explored NSSI in the Philippine settings and examined the risk factors that lead to this perplexing behavior. This study investigated the intra- and interpersonal factors contributing to NSSI among Filipino undergraduate students. It examined the indirect effects of self-esteem, perceived family and peer support, and academic stress on NSSI through emotional distress and emotion regulation strategies, particularly cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. The study found that perceived family and peer support, as well as self-esteem, indirectly influenced NSSI through emotional distress. However, academic stress did not show a significant impact. Additionally, expressive suppression exacerbated the link between low self-esteem and NSSI, while cognitive reappraisal had no moderating effect. These findings suggest that fostering strong social support and enhancing self-esteem could be crucial in preventing NSSI. Moreover, interventions focused on developing healthy emotion regulation skills, particularly reducing expressive suppression, might be beneficial for individuals at risk. Overall, the study highlights the importance of considering both intra- and interpersonal factors, along with emotional processes, in understanding and addressing NSSI. This knowledge can inform the development of comprehensive treatment approaches aimed at improving interpersonal skills, emotion regulation, and overall well-being.