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Date Permissions Signed

5-18-2018

Date of Award

Spring 2018

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Schudlich, Tina Dawn Du Rocher

Second Advisor

Lehman, Barbara J.

Third Advisor

Ciao, Anna

Abstract

Previous studies have demonstrated relationships between deliberate self-harm and psychological distress and social functioning (for a review see Nock, 2010). However, few studies have examined psychological distress and social functioning at the same time in order to compare these predictors of deliberate self-harm. Using a more comprehensive, psychosocial approach may allow more accurate predictions of deliberate self-harm. Accurate predictions could aid in the intervention and treatment of individuals who engage in deliberate self-harm, regardless of their population; that is, whether they are seeking treatment for symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder, or if they are a member of the community. In the current study, we used a sample of individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (N = 60) and a community sample of undergraduate college students (N = 116), all of whom reported engaging in deliberate self-harm at least once in the past year. Participants completed measures of deliberate self-harm (outcome variable), psychological distress (specifically depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsion, and interpersonal sensitivity; predictor variables), and social functioning (positive support and negative interactions with family members, friends, and a romantic partner; predictor variables). We found that the population (or sample type) was the strongest predictor of deliberate self-harm, with individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder engaging in more deliberate self-harm than students. Additionally, anxiety predicted deliberate self-harm for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder. No social functioning variables predicted deliberate self-harm. Explanations for findings and treatment implications are discussed.

Keywords: self-harm, distress, social support, Borderline Personality Disorder, student health

Type

Text

Keywords

Self-harm, Distress, Social support, Borderline Personality Disorder, Student health

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25710/y21n-fh59

Publisher

Western Washington University

OCLC Number

1037277413

Subject – LCSH

Parasuicide; Self-destructive behavior; Distress (Psychology); Social interaction; Interpersonal relations; Borderline personality disorder

Format

application/pdf

Genre/Form

masters theses

Language

English

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this thesis for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.

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