(PS2-C68) Anger-out Mediates the Relations Between Depression Symptoms and NSSI

Psychopathology and emotion dysregulation are established correlates of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI); however, these factors are not sufficient to explain the complex behavior involved with NSSI. There is evidence to suggest that the inclusion of additional cognitive and emotion-related variables are necessary to help explain NSSI. The cognitive-emotional model of NSSI was developed as a theoretical framework of NSSI that incorporates cognitive and emotion components. This study sought to test a potential mediator of NSSI within the cognitive-emotional framework by including anger-out (i.e., anger expressed openly) as a mediator between psychopathology and NSSI. Data were collected from 462 college undergraduates at a large Midwestern university using a web-based survey. Bivariate correlations conducted using R software indicated strong relationships (p < .01) between NSSI (measured via the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory), depression symptoms (measured via the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21) and anger-out (measured via the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory). Mediation analysis was conducted via MPlus to estimate direct and indirect effects. Severity of depression symptoms was a significant predictor of anger-out (β = .153, SE = .05, p < .01) and NSSI (β = .410, SE = .047, p < .001). Anger-out was a significant predictor of NSSI (β = .188, SE = .05, p < .001) and mediated the relations between depression and NSSI (β = .009, SE = .004, p < .05). Results indicate individuals with greater severity of depression symptoms and a propensity to express anger (versus suppress), exhibit greater severity of NSSI; and that anger-out helps to explain this relationship. Future research should consider examining other emotion-related variables as mediators between psychopathology and NSSI to determine risk factors for NSSI.