Persistence and Cessation of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Under Psychotherapy

Abstract: This study examines factors associated with recovery from nonsuicidal self-injury, comparing the characteristics of nonsuicidal self-injury behavior, clinical history, and psychological features of one group of patients who recovered from nonsuicidal self-injury within 12 months of psychotherapy and one group of patients who did not. Both groups received three components of treatment: feedback on psychological assessment results, psychoeducation on stress and emotional control, and acquisition of stress-coping skills. The Rorschach Comprehensive System was used for the measurement of participants’ psychological characteristics. Results indicated that the nonrecovery group ( N = 14) remembered significantly fewer self-harm episodes than the recovery group ( N = 16). The Rorschach showed differences in variables indicative of thinking and cognitive problems: PTI positivity and X-% were significantly higher in the nonrecovery group, while X+%, XA%, and WDA% were significantly lower in the nonrecovery group. Results suggest that the recovery group interrupted self-injury behaviors in a relatively short period by acquiring self-understanding and coping skills. Additional treatment for thinking, cognitive deficits, and dissociation may be necessary for the nonrecovery group.