Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

A past focus of the lab has been non-suicidal self-injury, defined as the intentional and direct destruction of body tissue without suicidal intent (e.g., skin-cutting or burning). The lab primarily views self-injury as a means of coping with intense and overwhelming negative emotions, especially high-arousal and self-directed negative emotions. Our research examines the phenomenology, functions, and mental health implications of self-injury (e.g., Klonsky, 2007, Clinical Psychology Review; Klonsky, Oltmanns, & Turkheimer, 2003, American Journal of Psychiatry). We have also developed a functional measure of self-injury (Klonsky & Glenn, 2009, Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment; ISAS -- Measure).

At present, we do not have active research examining NSSI.