Initial Psychometric Validation of the Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Scar Cognition Scale

Abstract

Given the growing literature on the detrimental psychological consequences of NSSI, it is surprising that scarce research has focused on the permanent physical consequences of NSSI, scarring to one’s tissue (Burke et al. 2015; Lewis 2016). Indeed, with recent research suggesting that upwards of half of those with a history of NSSI bear scarring as a result of the behavior (Burke et al. 2016), the psychological implications of scarring are important to understand. Given preliminary literature suggesting that the vast majority of individuals who bear NSSI scars ascribe a great deal of meaning to their scarring, and that this meaning varies widely, a psychometrically sound scale is needed to comprehensively and systematically assess NSSI scar-related cognitions. The present study examined the psychometric properties of the Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Scar Cognition Scale (NSSI-SCS). A sample of 110 undergraduates with at least one scar from NSSI completed the NSSI-SCS as well as measures of concurrent and divergent validity. Exploratory Factor Analysis was conducted to determine the factor structure of the NSSI-SCS. Results indicated that a five-factor solution offered the best fit for the data. Psychometric analyses support the validity of the NSSI-SCS given evidence of concurrent validity, divergent validity, and reliability. Future research should examine the test-retest reliability of the NSSI-SCS, as well as its sensitivity to change, particularly in the context of treatment research.

The stigmatization of nonsuicidal self‐injury

“…Although scarring is a well-known direct consequence of NSSI, relatively few empirical studies have systematically examined its psychosocial consequences and correlates. Extant research suggests that individuals with NSSI scarring often report negative cognitions about their scars and associated feelings of shame and embarrassment (Bachtelle & Pepper, 2015; Burke, Olino, & Alloy, 2017; Lewis & Mehrabkhani, 2016). Burke and colleagues (2017) found that those who reported greater negative socially-related cognitions (e.g., shame, embarrassment) about their scars exhibited higher levels of social anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.…”

“…Extant research suggests that individuals with NSSI scarring often report negative cognitions about their scars and associated feelings of shame and embarrassment (Bachtelle & Pepper, 2015; Burke, Olino, & Alloy, 2017; Lewis & Mehrabkhani, 2016). Burke and colleagues (2017) found that those who reported greater negative socially-related cognitions (e.g., shame, embarrassment) about their scars exhibited higher levels of social anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Other literature has found that NSSI scars are associated with significantly elevated levels of negative body image, including lower appearance evaluation and body area satisfaction (Dyer, Hennrich, Borgmann, White, & Alpers, 2013; Dyer, Mayer-Eckhard, White, & Alpers, 2015).…”

Self‐Stigma Toward Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury: An Examination of Implicit and Explicit Attitudes

“…Specific to NSSI, there is accumulating evidence that individuals with scarring report feeling shame and embarrassment about their scarring (Bachtelle & Pepper, 2015; Burke, Olino, & Alloy, 2017; Lewis & Mehrabkhani, 2016), providing complementary evidence of self‐stigma. Additionally, people who engage in NSSI may be hesitant to disclose a history of NSSI due to a perceived likelihood of a negative reaction (Berger, Hasking, & Martin, 2013), such as being labeled as attention seeking (Fortune, Sinclair, & Hawton, 2008; Klineberg, Kelly, Stansfeld, & Bhui, 2013).…”

Alcohol Consumption, Drinking Patterns, and Cognitive Performance in Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Analysis

“…A total of 1501 students were recruited, of whom 1193 were eligible. In order to receive reimbursement, participants were informed that they needed to complete all cognition tests and 60% of the triweekly alcohol consumption questions, which is a common compliance cut-off [22] and comprises in this study at least 7 out 12 responses during each four-week period. These criteria were met by 702 participants at Wave 1 and by 436 participants at Wave 2 (Figure 1).…”

“…These criteria were met by 702 participants at Wave 1 and by 436 participants at Wave 2 (Figure 1). compliance cut-off [22] and comprises in this study at least 7 out 12 responses during each four-week period. These criteria were met by 702 participants at Wave 1 and by 436 participants at Wave 2 ( Figure 1).…”