STRESS

Original Article

Understanding Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Adults Based on the Benefits and Barriers Model: Comparing Suicidal Self-Injury and Exploring Functional Differences across Frequency Levels: Hyejin Jeon, Hoon-Jin Lee; STRESS. 2025;33(2):63-73. Published online June 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2025.33.2.63

Abstract PDF: Background
This study aimed to examine differences in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) depending on the presence of suicidal self-injury, such as suicidal ideation or suicide attempts. It also explored patterns of change in self-harm motivation during the initiation and maintenance of NSSI, based on the Benefits and Barriers Model of NSSI.
Methods
A total of 300 adults completed the Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview, Inventory of Statements about Self-Injury, Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, Trait Meta-Mood Scale, Depressive Experiences Questionnaire, Capability for Suicide Questionnaire, and the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire. Group differences were analyzed.
Results
Individuals in the NSSI with suicide attempt group showed significantly higher motivations related to affect regulation, self-punishment, communication, and interpersonal needs. In contrast, the NSSI-only group exhibited significantly lower levels of emotion dysregulation, interpersonal needs, and self-criticism. Additionally, compared to the middle- and high-frequency NSSI groups, the low-frequency group reported stronger motivations related to peer bonding, interpersonal influence, and the toughness function.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that the Benefits and Barriers Model of NSSI is useful for understanding the relationship between nonsuicidal and suicidal self-injury, as well as the motivational processes involved in the maintenance of NSSI.

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