Examining the Relationship Between Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, and Emotion Regulation in Self-Injury

Abstract

Objective:The objective of the current study was to investigate whether mindfulness and selfcompassion are negatively associated with engagement in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and whether emotion dysregulation would mediate this relation. Method: 343 participants (82.2% female; Mage = 23.98; SD = 7.47) were recruited from university and community settings, and completed online questionnaires. Two groups of participants were created: those with lifetime engagement in NSSI (n = 153) and a comparison group with no prior engagement in NSSI (n = 190).Results: First, two one-way MANOVAs revealed significant mean differences (NSSI/comparison) across the self-compassion dimensions and specific mindfulness facets.Second, logistic regressions revealed that the self-coldness dimension of self-compassion significantly predicted engagement in NSSI, and specific mindfulness facets (non-judging and acting with awareness) were found to negatively predict NSSI engagement. Lastly, mediation analyses revealed that emotion dysregulation fully mediated the relationships between both mindfulness total and self-coldness, and NSSI group status. Conclusion:The present study demonstrates preliminary support for the protective role of key mindfulness facets and potential risk of the self-coldness aspect of self-compassion in NSSI engagement. Implications for potential use of treatment protocols may include teaching key aspects of mindfulness and self-compassion as healthier and kinder alternatives to coping with dysregulated emotions.

The Relationship among Disconnection and Rejection Schema, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation, Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, and Undergraduate Student NSSI: A Moderated-Moderated Mediation Effect Study

“…However, it is important to note that among university students with low levels of mindfulness, those with high levels of self-compassion made more frequent attempts at NSSI compared to students with low selfcompassion levels. These ndings contradict prior research that suggested self-compassion has a buffering effect, reducing NSSI(Cleare et al, 2019;Per et al, 2022). Conversely, in line with previous research that found no signi cant buffering effect of self-compassion on NSSI(Hasking et al, 2019;Nagy et al, 2021).…”

“…Individuals with higher levels of mindfulness effectively cope depression and anxiety (Brown & Ryan, 2003;Carson & Langer, 2006;Cho, Y. et al, 2014). Those with high levels of mindfulness have reported signi cant reductions in NSSI and suicidal ideation (Per et al, 2022). Additionally, low mindfulness tend to engage in more NSSI behaviors (Heath, Joly & Carsley, 2016).…”

Longitudinal association of mindfulness with aggression and non‐suicidal self‐injury in adolescence: The mediating role of shame‐proneness

“…alternative explanation is that participants in the current study were adolescent while participants in other studies were usually adults (Caltabiano & Martin, 2017;Per et al, 2021) which leads to inconsistent results. Moreover, in concordance with prior studies (Borders et al, 2010;Peters et al, 2015;Shorey et al, 2015), the current study authenticated that describing, acting with awareness, and nonjudging were negatively correlated with aggression among adolescents.…”

A cross-sectional analysis of yoga experience on variables associated with psychological well-being

“…Consistent with this hypothesis, Wisener and Khoury (2022) reported that trait mindfulness and self-compassion mediated the relationship between emotional regulation and eating as a coping strategy. Additionally, Per et al (2022) demonstrated that the relationship between emotional regulation and non-suicidal self-injury was mediated by mindfulness and self-coldness (the opposite of selfcompassion). When taken together with the first finding, these results highlight the potential importance of physical, mental, and spiritual influences for improving emotional regulation.…”