Interpersonal sensitivity and psychological distress as factors of self-injurious behavior

Abstract

We present the results of an empirical study on the relationship between self-injurious behavior, interpersonal sensitivity, and symptoms of psychological distress. The study involved 664 participants (84.4% females) aged 17–35 years. Measures used in the study included Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90), Interpersonal Sensitivity Measure and Reasons for Self-Injury Scale. Results of the study: (1) interpersonal sensitivity, self-injurious behavior and psychological distress scores were significantly higher among younger participants (17–19 years old) and the lowest among adults (27–35 years old); (2) participants who reported self-injuries had significantly higher rates of psychopathological symptoms and interpersonal sensitivity; (3) the frequency of self-injurious behavior was found to be increased by fear of rejection and decreased by dependence on the opinion of others; (4) psychological distress mediated the relationship between fear of rejection and self-injury, whereas age moderated it. Thus, pronounced fear of rejection in youth leads to high psychological distress that is in turn related to more frequent self-injuries. The results of this study stress the importance of interpersonal relationships in self-injurious behavior.