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Cite as
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Full Title
MALTRATTAMENTO E ABUSO ALL'INFANZIA
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Publisher
FrancoAngeli
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ISSN
1591-4267 (Printed Journal)
1972-5140 (Online Journal)
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Journal Issue Number
1
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Journal Issue Designation
1
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Journal Issue Date (YYYY/MM)
2019/05
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Full Title
Attachment Style and alexithymia as predictors of nonsuicidal self-injury in young adults: A pilot study
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By (author)
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First Page
11
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Last Page
21
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Language of text
English
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Publication Date
2019/05
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Copyright
2019 FrancoAngeli srl
Introduction or preface
Pathways from childhood trauma to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) include those high-lighting emotional regulation and attachment, which have been supported by research inves-tigating the functions of NSSI. This pilot study sought to explore this further by examining which specific dimensions of attachment style and alexithymia predict self-injurious behav-iour. Twenty-six young adults [mean (± SD) age 21.08 (± 3.95)], with experience of NSSI were compared to a matched control group. The Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Attachment Style Interview (ASI) were used. Findings revealed significantly greater levels of alexithymia, particularly the "difficulty identifying feelings" factor, in those with NSSI compared to the control group, as well as higher rates of insecure attachment style, particularly fearful insecure style. Examination of specific dimensions revealed ASI scales of "constraints on closeness" and "fear of rejection" and provided the best model of NSSI. These findings provide empirical support for the affect regulatory function of self-injury, but also highlight the importance of the interpersonal boundaries function, which may pro-vide a useful focus for treatment or intervention.
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