Effects of Impulsivity and Fearlessness about Death on Non-Suicidal Self-Injury

Abstract

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), the deliberate, self-inflicted damage to bodily tissue without the intent to die, continues to be problematic among college students.15% to 35% of college students engage in NSSI at least once during their lifetime. This is concerning due to studies suggesting a strong relationship between NSSI and suicide attempts. Urgency theory states that individuals who tend to be more impulsive are more likely to act without regard to long-term consequences when experiencing strong negative emotions. Individuals with higher impulsivity are also more likely to engage in NSSI, which may be due to the short-term benefit of regulating their emotions without regard for potential long-term consequences. Research suggests that negative urgency, the tendency to act rashly when distressed, is significantly linked to both suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors. Studies show that fearlessness about death (FAD) leads to an increased engagement in risky behaviors and susceptibility to suicidal ideation. However, research looking at relationships between fearlessness about death and NSSI has been sparse and inconsistent. Despite the similarity of the effects of impulsivity, negative urgency, and FAD on likelihood to engage in NSSI, very little research has looked at the possible interactive effects that they have on NSSI frequency.