An initial investigation of the association between DSM–5 posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms and nonsuicidal self-injury functions.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: PTSD symptom clusters (i.e., intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognitions and mood, alterations in arousal and reactivity) and self-injury functions using a small sample of college students. METHOD: = 81) were recruited for a lifetime history of NSSI and trauma exposure. RESULTS: Findings revealed a statistically significant path from PTSD avoidance symptoms to NSSI social functions and from PTSD negative alterations in cognitions and mood symptoms to NSSI intrapersonal functions, even after controlling for relevant covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the current study highlight the importance of assessing for NSSI among trauma-exposed individuals. Considering that NSSI is a risk factor for suicidal behavior and potentially a clinically distinct diagnosis, future research should continue to explore these associations using larger, more diverse clinical samples. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).