The relationship of dissociative experience, alexithymia, and non-suicidal self-harming behavior

Abstract

Introduction: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is the deliberate injury to body tissue without any suicidal intent, which is culturally or socially unacceptable. It includes a range of behavior such as cutting or scratching of the skin, self-battery, and self-poisoning. Objective: The objective of the study is to find out relationships between NSSI, specific psychological traits (such as alexithymia and dissociation), and sociodemographic factors. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the Department of Psychiatry, LAMGMC and associated hospital Raigarh Chhattisgarh and involved patients reported in the department of psychiatry both as outpatient and inpatient, with a history of self-harming behavior (between 18 and 60 years of age) (N = 500). The study was done by the use of Inventory of Statements about Self-Injury (ISAS), Dissociative Experience Scale (DES), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS). Results: The majority of the subjects with NSSI are adult, female, and unemployed. NSSI is associated with dissociative symptoms, alexithymia, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, tension-type headache, and type B personality. Conclusion: Dissociative symptoms and alexithymia are highly correlated with NSSI.