(PS13-55) The Role of Emotion Dysregulation and Pain Endurance in Non-suicidal Self-injury and Disordered Eating Behaviors

Introduction.  Although literature supports the role of emotion dysregulation and pain endurance as independent predictors of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and disordered eating behaviors, there remains little investigation of the interaction of these risk factors. The aim of this project was to examine the independent and interactive roles of emotion dysregulation and pain endurance related to NSSI and disordered eating. We hypothesized that high levels of emotion dysregulation and pain endurance would be related NSSI and disordered eating behaviors, particularly compensatory behaviors such as purging and excessive exercising, whereas low levels of emotion dysregulation would be unrelated to NSSI and disordered eating, regardless of pain endurance. Participants. Participants were 133 women with complete data with (n = 79) and without (n = 54) histories of recent, recurrent NSSI, recruited via the SONA system at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and via flyers posted on the University of Massachusetts campus and in local community mental health centers. Methods. Participants reported their levels of emotion dysregulation, engagement in disordered eating, and NSSI on questionnaires. Pain endurance was assessed through a standardized pressure task. We ran independent t-tests to examine the main and interactive relationship between emotion dysregulation and pain endurance as it related to NSSI and disordered eating. Results. The analyses yielded significant results supporting our hypothesis, as well as results indicating the relationship between specific facets of emotion dysregulation, and the propensity for one to engage in NSSI and/or disordered eating behavior. Discussion. Limitations to the study include limited sample size and reliance on self-report measures. Learning more about how to predict which individuals are more likely to engage in these behaviors can help mental health professionals develop targeted interventions to most efficiently help those at risk.