Objective: Despite the theoretical and empirical relevance of anxiety sensitivity (AS) to nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), few studies have investigated this association. This study examined the incremental validity of AS dimensions in NSSI frequency and versatility, above and beyond emotion dysregulation and relevant covariates (racial/ethnic background, negative affectivity). AS dimensions were expected to account for additional unique variance in NSSI outcomes.
Method: Participants included 204 patients (50.5% female) with substance use disorders in residential treatment.
Results: In this sample, 37.2% reported a history of NSSI. The hierarchical regression models revealed a unique positive association between AS social concerns and NSSI outcomes when adjusting for model variables. In contrast, AS physical concerns were uniquely negatively associated with NSSI outcomes.
Conclusion: Findings provide support for AS social concerns as a vulnerability for engagement in NSSI behaviors and highlight this particular AS dimension as a potential treatment target for NSSI prevention and intervention programs.
Keywords: anxiety sensitivity; emotion dysregulation; nonsuicidal self-injury; substance use disorders.
© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.