Nonsuicidal Self-Injury of young adults in relation to personality organization

BACKGROUND:

This study builds on previous findings that associate nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) with a pathological self-regulatory mechanism in individuals with abnormalities in their psychological profile. The primary aim of the present paper is to assess the presence of borderline personality organization (BPO) in individuals with a history of NSSI and to examine its relationship to the frequency, form, and dynamics of NSSI.

METHODS:

This study employs a quantitative research design. Data were collected online from 104 young adults (aged 18–26) with a history of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Two instruments were used for measurement: the selfreport Inventory of Personality Organization (IPO; Lenzenweger et al., 2001) and a modified version of the structured interview Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviours Interview (SITBI; Nock et al., 2007).

RESULTS:

The results indicate that borderline personality organization (BPO) is demonstrably present in 62% of individuals with a history of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Women in the sample tended to score higher overall than men. Scores from the IPO also showed a strong correlation with other measured psychological abnormalities, specifically the presence of alexithymia and dissociative symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS:

The demonstrated presence of borderline personality organization (BPO) in the psychological profiles of a majority of Czech respondents suggests a potential influence on the development or course of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). This presumed influence is further supported by findings of elevated test scores among participants engaged in more severe forms of NSSI, as well as by the observed correlations among all variables examined. The findings underscore the importance of further research into personality organization in relation to NSSI.