title: Differences between Current and Past Self-Injurers: How and Why Do People Stop?
abstract: This research sought to clarify how some self-injurers cease the behavior, maintaining this for at least 1 year. Using the Experiential Avoidance Model (EAM), we examined whether characteristics of self-injurers remain in people who have successfully ceased self-injury and what, by implication, might be targeted to improve therapeutic efficacy. The study was conducted using an online cross-sectional survey of 215 first-year university students. Past self-injurers (34) scored significantly better on subscales of the General Health Questionnaire, as well as Distress Tolerance, Experiential Avoidance, and Self-blame compared to Current self-injurers (29). The Experiential Avoidance Model is a useful basis for understanding self-injury, and informing therapeutic approaches. Reducing Anxiety, and developing Tolerance and Positive Emotional Intensity may be keys to ceasing self-injury.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Horgan
authors.forename: Graham
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D001362:Avoidance Learning; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011793:Queensland; D000068356:Self-Control / Q000523:psychology*; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: NSSI; cessation; experiential avoidance model; non-suicidal self-injury