Looking Within: Self-Concept, Cognitive Flexibility, and Emotion
Regulation as Intrapersonal Discriminants of Non-Suicidal Self Injury
Cessation
Abstract
Background: Given their modifiable nature, understanding the
intrapersonal factors involved in the cessation of non-suicidal
self-injury (NSSI) is needed to inform existing therapeutic approaches
and explore novel avenues for supporting individuals with NSSI. This
study aimed to examine the relative contributions of and interactions
among intrapersonal factors (self-concept, emotion regulation, and
cognitive flexibility) in distinguishing between ceased and current
NSSI. Methods: 202 adults aged 18-71 years ( M = 31.50,
SD = 11.23; 74.75% female) were surveyed to compare facets of
self-concept, emotion regulation, and cognitive flexibility that
contributed most to discriminating those who had ceased NSSI for one
year from those who continued. These intrapersonal factors were also
explored as potential indirect pathways between identity and NSSI
status. Results: Significant differences between ceased and
current NSSI groups were observed across all intrapersonal factors, with
moderate to large effects. Most differences persisted after accounting
for psychological distress. Less identity fragmentation, greater
emotional clarity, internal locus of control, self-liking, access to
emotion regulation strategies, and impulse control contributed most to
discriminating NSSI cessation after accounting for psychological
distress. The relationship between lack of identity and NSSI status
operated indirectly through lack of emotional clarity and self-liking.
Conclusions: Having a coherent sense of identity, emotional
clarity, internal locus of control, self-liking, access to emotion
regulation strategies, and managing impulsivity relate to NSSI
cessation. These modifiable factors denote several promising
intervention opportunities and should be considered in the design of
NSSI-specific treatments.