Self–Injury as an Emotion Regulation Roz Collings, Charlotte Payne, Fiona Betts, Katherine Cummings, Nadine Denny, & Laura Rutherford. Findings Background Literature Consistent differences between SIB and NSIB in Negative Affect (depression/ anxiety/ stress) and Emotional Regulation Affect regulation shown to be the highest reported “function” of SIB Greatest change in emotion pre> post SIB was “relief” Individuals who engage in Self Injurious Behaviour (SIB) appear to suffer from more intense negative emotions in their everyday lives (Klonsky et al, 2007). SIB has consistently been shown to be linked with affect regulation where negative emotions typically decrease following the behaviour (Klonsky et al, 2007). Research has shown that SIB is a method used to express unwanted and unpleasant emotions (Gratz, 2003). Emotional regulation has been shown to be low in individuals who engage in SIB and is used within explanatory models of SIB (Chapman et al, 2006) Functions of SIB Childhood Trauma Childhood trauma predicts SIB Functions of SIB related to trauma: affect regulation, creating feeling, anti-suicide and marking distress. Emotional Dysregulation mediates the trauma- SIB relationship Coping and Positive Psychology Constructs SIB lower on adaptive coping and higher on maladaptive coping SIB lower on levels of hope, self-esteem and mindfulness Changes in Affect pre> post SIB Methodology Conclusion Data collated from 5 dissertations Valid and reliable questionnaires assessing SIB and a variety of correlates including Emotional Regulation, Coping and Impulsivity. Approximately 800 SIB and 500 non self-harmer control group (NSIB) Online questionnaire methodology. Results support previous research highlighting SIB as affect regulation and confirm the continual need to consider emotional regulation in theoretical explanations of SIB. Greater knowledge of SIB and the reasons behind SIB can enhance understanding of what is underpinning the behaviour, develop stronger theoretical models and increase research, as well as aid in education, intervention and therapeutic strategies. “My scars show pain and suffering, but they also show my will to survive” (Rainfield) Let’s Start the Conversation