Emotion Regulation as a Risk Factor for Suicidality in Adolescents Engaging in NSSI

Abstract

Suicidal behaviours amongst adolescents represents a major health concern. Adolescence

embodies a particularly sensitive time period in which increased self-harm and suicidality are evidenced. Specifically, emotion dysregulation in adolescents is linked to a higher likelihood of suicide ideation and NSSI (nonsuicidal self-injury). Notably, the adolescent population

exhibits the highest rates of NSSI, which is one of the strongest predictors of suicide ideation and suicidal behaviours. Nonetheless, a gold standard treatment for treating adolescents exhibiting emotion dysregulation and engagement in NSSI has yet to be established. This paper discusses the critical role of emotion regulation as a risk factor for adolescent engagement in NSSI and subsequent suicidality. In particular, improving emotion regulation skills should be the primary focus of treatment for adolescents engaging in NSSI in order to reduce suicidality. To support this assertion, the link between adolescent emotion dysregulation and NSSI will be examined with respect to increased suicidality, emotional self-efficacy and the acquired capability for suicide.