Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Functions of Non Suicidal Self Injury in University Students

Present study aimed to assess interpersonal functions (interpersonal boundaries, peer bonding, interpersonal influence, self-care, revenge, toughness, autonomy and sensation seeking) and intrapersonal functions (affect regulation, self-punishment, anti-dissociation, anti-suicide, and marking distress) of Non Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI) in university students. NSSI can be conceptualized in a better way by understanding functions of NSSI. Research design was correlational. Assessment measures used were DSM-5 Self-Rated Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure—Adult, Alexian Brothers Assessment of Self-Injury (ABASI) and Inventory of Statement about Self Injury (ISAS). Sample comprised of hundred students of age ranged between 19 to 24 years (M = 19.85, SD = 1.75). The results indicated that interpersonal functions are more endorsed functions than intrapersonal functions of NSSI. Moreover, it was found that self-care and toughness are more endorsed functions from interpersonal functions. Furthermore, the results revealed that self-punishment and affect regulation were more endorsed functions from intrapersonal functions. Moreover, it was found that from intrapersonal function ‘toughness’ is positively related with NSSI while from interpersonal functions ‘affect regulation and self-punishment’ are significantly negatively related with NSSI. Additionally, the findings indicated that interpersonal functions are significant positive predictor of NSSI while intrapersonal functions are significant negative predictor NSSI. Furthermore, it was found that intrapersonal functions significantly mediate the relationship between interpersonal function and NSSI. It could be concluded that interpersonal functions and intrapersonal functions of NSSI play important role in initiation and maintenance of NSSI respectively and should be targeted in interventions accordingly.