Attachment and emotion regulation: Developmental targets for NSSI prevention and intervention

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), for example self-cutting, is physically damaging behaviour often used to change emotional states, but without suicidal intent. Most common among adolescents and young adults, NSSI is associated with considerable distress and increased risk of later suicide. Early parent-child relationships form the context for how people regulate emotional states, and therefore may offer an explanation as to why some people are less able to change their emotional states in healthier ways. This research found that the quality of parent-child relationships and poor emotion regulation were associated with increased likelihood of self-injury. Prevention and intervention strategies are recommended.