Negative Intrusive Thoughts and dissociation as Risk Factors for Self‐Harm

Relationships between self‐harm and vulnerability factors were studied in a general population of 432 participants, of whom 30% reported some experience of self‐harm. This group scored higher on dissociation and childhood trauma, had lower self‐worth, and reported more negative intrusive thoughts. Among the non‐harming group, 10% scored similarly to the self‐harmers on the dissociation and self‐worth scales, and engaged in potentially maladaptive behaviors that are not defined as indicating clinical self‐harm, but experienced fewer negative intrusive thoughts. This group may be at risk of future self‐harm if they begin to experience negative intrusive thoughts. If negative intrusive thoughts are playing a causal role, then therapeutic approaches tackling them may help those who are currently self‐harming.