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Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, Anxiety, and Self-Esteem among Undergraduate College Students

Sulak, Bilge
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3044-3622
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1427382976

Abstract Details

2015, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, Counselor Education (Education).
Research with respect to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) epidemiology suggests that NSSI is increasing among adolescents and college students. Moreover, there were mixed findings in research exploring relationships between NSSI and self-esteem, anxiety, and biological sex. While the characteristics of being female, having low self-esteem, and symptoms of anxiety were positively associated with NSSI engagement in many studies, it is necessary to further assess these features gathering in-depth information to clarify these relationships amongst college students. Taken together, the purpose of the study was to explore the prevalence of NSSI and perceptions of NSSI functions among undergraduate college students before and after they commenced college. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate predictive relationships between self-esteem, state anxiety, trait anxiety, and biological sex in relation to lifetime NSSI occurrence and current NSSI occurrence. The interpersonal and intrapersonal NSSI functions were explored. Participants completed several instruments assessing NSSI behaviors and functions, as well as anxiety and self-esteem. It was found that NSSI engagement was higher before commencing college that was consistent with previous research. The results indicated participants who reported engaging in NSSI reported having higher numbers of friends or acquaintances who engage in NSSI before they commenced college. Findings further lend support that higher scores in trait anxiety increase the odds of current NSSI occurrence while higher self-esteem scores decrease the chances of lifetime NSSI occurrence. According to study results, lifetime NSSI and current NSSI were highly related with each other. Additionally, self-esteem was negatively associated with trait and state anxiety. Concerning NSSI functions, affect regulation was the leading reason to engage in NSSI followed by self-punishment and anti-dissociation. According to the study results, it was found that intrapersonal functions were preferred by NSSI and nonNSSI group. This study added to the existing body of knowledge by investigating perceptions regarding NSSI behaviors of other individuals other than self. Clinical and theoretical implications were discussed. Additionally, limitations of current study as well as future directions were presented
Christine Bhat, Ph.D (Advisor)
Tom Davis, Ph.D (Committee Member)
Yegan Pillay, Ph.D (Committee Member)
Gordon Brooks, Ph.D (Committee Member)
180 p.
Counseling Education
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury; state anxiety; trait anxiety; self-esteem; college students

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Sulak, B. (2015). Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, Anxiety, and Self-Esteem among Undergraduate College Students [Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1427382976

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Sulak, Bilge. Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, Anxiety, and Self-Esteem among Undergraduate College Students. 2015. Ohio University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1427382976.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Sulak, Bilge. "Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, Anxiety, and Self-Esteem among Undergraduate College Students." Doctoral dissertation, Ohio University, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1427382976

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.