title: A multimethod analysis of impulsivity in nonsuicidal self-injury.
abstract: Impulsivity has been proposed as an important construct in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Yet, research on the relationship of impulsivity to NSSI has been mixed. The present study clarified this relationship using a multifaceted measure of impulsivity (i.e., UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale), and a computer-based behavioral measure of inhibitory control (i.e., a stop-signal task). Participants were 82 confirmed self-injurers and 86 controls recruited from a college population. Self-injurers and controls performed similarly on the stop-signal task. On the UPPS, self-injurers were best distinguished by Urgency (committing rash decisions when faced with negative emotions), and distinguished to a lesser degree by lack of Premeditation (inability to delay action in order to plan) and Sensation Seeking (seeking excitement and adventure). Among self-injurers, lack of Perseverance (inability to stay with a task through completion) predicted more recent and frequent NSSI. Conceptual and clinical implications are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, USA.
authors.forename: Catherine R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Glenn
authors.forename: E David
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Klonsky
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D007266:Inhibition, Psychological; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult