Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury and Affect Regulation: Recent Findings From Experimental and Ecological Momentary Assessment Studies and Future Directions

CONTEXT: Although research indicates that nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) may be used as a form of emotion regulation, studies have largely relied on the use of retrospective self-report data, which limits inferences about directionality of effects. Recently, researchers have started to employ lab-based experimental (e.g., guided imagery, acute pain) and moment sampling approaches to the study of NSSI. METHODS: In the present study, we conducted a review of this recent literature, using several electronic databases (e.g., PsychINFO, ERIC, CINAHL). RESULTS: We identified 18 studies that met our inclusion criteria. Findings indicated that the administration of pain was associated with decreases in negative affect among both self-injurers and noninjurers, although these declines were more pronounced for self-injurers in some studies. CONCLUSIONS: We discuss findings within the context of two central theories (i.e., opponent-process theory and distraction theory) and offer several recommendations for future research in this area.