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Category: Project

Description: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a major mental health concern. Most studies thus far have focused on establishing the prevalence and correlates of the presence and severity of NSSI. However, we still lack basic knowledge of the short-term course of NSSI among those currently seeking mental health treatment. Such information would be helpful for better informing clinicians and allocating treatment resources for NSSI. To provide a reference point, we present the first empirical data from the Detection of Acute rIsk of seLf-injurY (DAILY) project, an ecological momentary assessment study with a cohort of 125 patients who completed up to six daily standard assessments and event registrations of self-injury for 28 days. Our objectives were to clarify the short-term course of NSSI and investigate whether the pattern of cognitions (i.e., thoughts, urges, self-efficacy to resist self-injury) and behavior varies: (1) between treatment-seeking individuals, (2) within treatment-seeking individuals, and (3) can be predicted across hours using EMA. In addition, we also evaluated whether sociodemographic and clinical characteristics predict individual differences. Findings will provide a detailed characterization of the course of NSSI during treatment.