Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) may be a growing problem in society, especially among adolescents and young adults. In addition to resulting from difficulties in affect regulation, NSSI may also be a form of social regulation. Our previous study found that 60% of undergraduate participants engaged in one or more forms of self-harm at one point or another in their lives. Due to finding such a high prevalence of NSSI among undergraduates, the present study is designed to determine if NSSI is a gateway behavior to more dangerous regulatory behaviors. We plan to administer a battery of surveys to participants, the results of which should inform if NSSI leads to further high-risk behavior. Looking at the initial results from pilot testing, there appears to be a positive relationship between engaging in NSSI and risky behaviors, including both potential and present suicidal thoughts and behaviors. We speculate on why this relationship might be and also how the results of this study can help raise awareness about the potential dangers of maladaptive emotion regulation techniques.
