(PS1-B46) Effects of Sexual Minority Status and Self-defective Beliefs on NSSI Features

Effects of Sexual Minority Status and Self-Defective Beliefs on NSSI Features
Growing literature suggests that sexual minority groups have elevated rates of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) (Liu et al., 2019), yet research has not yet explored for whom or why these rates are elevated. Given that shame and negative self-evaluations are linked to NSSI frequency and urge intensity (Sheehy et al., 2019; Lear et al., 2019; Victor & Klonsky, 2014), and that sexual minority groups endorse greater shame and internalized stigma (Meyer, 2003), these are important factors to consider with regard to this population. Thus, we explored the potential moderating and mediating role of self-defective beliefs in the relationship between sexual minority status (SMS) and NSSI. 

Participants were 145 individuals (Mage = 20.98; SD = 3.154) with recurrent and recent NSSI history (n=84) or with no NSSI history (n=61). 66 individuals self-identified as SMS (n=48 in the NSSI group), while 79 identified as heterosexual (n=36 in the NSSI group). Participants completed the Self-Rating Scale (SRS) to evaluate trait level self-defective beliefs (Hooley, Ho, Slater, & Lockshin, 2010), and the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory (Gratz, 2001) to evaluate NSSI characteristics. To examine the interactive effects of SMS and SRS on NSSI, we conducted binary logistic regressions of SRS, SMS, and their interaction on (1) NSSI group status in the full sample and (2) NSSI medical severity (coded medical treatment vs. not) in the NSSI group only. We also conducted linear regressions with (3) NSSI frequency in the NSSI group only. To examine the potential mediating role of SRS in the SMS-NSSI relation, we conducted a series of linear regressions and bootstrapped the indirect effect. Frequency data was log transformed for these analyses.

 There was no association between SMS x SRS and group status, NSSI medical severity, or NSSI frequency. SMS did not show any direct effects on group status or NSSI severity. Whereas SRS was significantly associated with the NSSI (vs. no NSSI) group (B=.063, SE=.018, p< .001), and medically-severe (vs. not) (B=.077, SE=.032, p=.015) and frequent NSSI (B=.014, SE=.007, p=.039) in the NSSI group, SMS was only associated with higher NSSI frequency (B=.326, SE=.151, p=.034). , and had no significant main effects on group status and NSSI medical severity within this sample. Both SMS and SRS display independent direct effects on NSSI frequency. In terms of mediational analyses, SMS was associated with greater NSSI frequency (B=.425, SE = .147, p=.005) and higher SRS (B=7.023, SE=2.471, p=.006), with a significant indirect effect from SMS through SRS on NSSI group status (B=.243, SE=.081, p< .05) in the full sample, as well as greater NSSI frequency (B=.099, SE=.076, p< .05) and medical severity (B=.540, SE=0.556, p < .05) in the NSSI group.

These findings suggest that participants who identify with SMS are more at risk for NSSI, specifically greater frequency and severity of this behavior. Moreover, this association may be due, in part, to negative self-evaluations. These findings suggest that negative self-evaluations may be an important treatment target for NSSI among SMS populations.