SELF COMPASSION & NSSI - THE EFFECT OF SELF COMPASSION IN REDUCING NSSI CORRELATES

Abstract

Recent research on non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) suggests that high self-criticism may be a key underlying vulnerability that leads to the lowering of one’s positive self-regard and of pain barriers that prevent individuals from engaging in NSSI. Additionally, research suggests that self-compassion may serve as a protective tool in combatting self-criticism. Through two studies, this research examined the relationship between self-criticism, self-compassion and NSSI in student samples in Singapore. Study 1 provided cross-sectional evidence supporting the mediating role of self-criticism and moderating effect of self-compassion in the relationship between childhood invalidation and NSSI occurrence. Study 2 examined the efficacy of a brief self-compassion training of past year NSSI engagers and ideators in reducing NSSI correlates, as compared to a waitlisted control. The training group yielded consistently greater reduction in explicit self-criticism and pain endurance after the first session as well as after the one week training. Taken together, these studies contribute to the current evidence supporting the role of self-criticism as a vulnerability and self-compassion as a tool against NSSI development. Implications and future directions are discussed.