Publication Date
2017
Document Type
Dissertation
Committee Members
Chris Modica (Committee Chair), Jessica Moss (Committee Member), Robert Rando (Committee Member)
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Abstract
There have been relatively few studies that have empirically explored the relationship between self-compassion and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Previous studies have found that engagement in self-injurious behaviors is closely related to being self-critical (Glassman, Weierich, Hooley, Deliberto, & Nock, 2007; Hooley, Ho, Slater, & Lockshin, 2010).Therefore, it has been suggested that higher levels of self-compassion may be associated with less engagement in NSSI. The current study explored the relationship between self-reported self-compassion and past self-reported occurrences of NSSI. This study used Neff's (2003a) 12 item Self-Compassion Scale- Short Form (SCS-SF) to measure one's level of self-compassion and a Client Information/Demographics Questionnaire (SDS-CCMH) to determine past occurrences of NSSI. It was hypothesized that there would be significant mean differences in self-reported self-compassion scores in individuals who have self-reported occurrences of self-injury than those with no self-reported occurrences. Participants were divided into two groups: those who reported past occurrences of self-injury and those who reported no self-injury. This study involved two main analyses. The first analysis was a biserial Pearson's r correlation in order to determine if there was a significant association between NSSI (e.g. self-injury versus no self-injury) and self-compassion. The second analysis was an independent t-test to allow a direct examination of the hypothesis. Results from the study supported the hypothesis as those who reported past occurrences of self-injury had significantly lower self-compassion scores than those who reported no past occurrence of self-injury. The findings demonstrate and provide empirical data that one's level of self-compassion may play a significant role in one's decision to engage in self-injury.
Page Count
60
Department or Program
School of Professional Psychology
Year Degree Awarded
2018
Copyright
Copyright 2017, all rights reserved. My ETD will be available under the "Fair Use" terms of copyright law.
