Emotional antecedents and consequences of deliberate self-harm and suicide attempts

Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2007 Oct;37(5):543-52. doi: 10.1521/suli.2007.37.5.543.

Abstract

Emotional experiences immediately prior to (emotional antecedents) and following (emotional consequences) deliberate self-harm and suicide attempts in female inmates (N = 63) were examined. Anger was the antecedent emotion reported by the largest proportion of individuals who had engaged in deliberate self-harm (45.16%), suicide attempts (40.9%), and ambivalent suicide attempts (30%). Relief and other positive emotional shifts were more common in deliberate self-harm (41.94%) (involving no intent to die) than in suicide attempts or ambivalent suicide attempts, particularly for persons with borderline personality disorder. These findings underscore the utility of discriminating between deliberate self-harm and suicidal behavior and highlight the potential role of anger in triggering such behaviors.

MeSH terms

  • Canada
  • Emotions*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Personality Inventory
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / etiology*
  • Suicide, Attempted*