Interactive Role of Depression, Distress Tolerance and Negative Urgency on Non-suicidal Self-injury

Negative affect often precedes non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Negative urgency (NU) and distress tolerance (DT) are associated with NSSI yet represent different trait-like pathways to maladaptive affect regulation. This study examined the role of NU, (lack of) premeditation, depression and DT on NSSI in a sample of 884 undergraduates. Main effects for depression and NU emerged, with no main effects of DT. There was a significant three-way interaction of NU, DT and depression, whereas no interaction was found for (lack of) premeditation. The influence of NU and depression on NSSI is enhanced when individuals have low perceived ability to tolerate distress.