Emotion dysregulation in self-injurious behaviour

Abstract

We present an analytic review of the theoretical and clinical models, methods, and directions of diagnostic and empirical research of emotion dysregulation in self-injurious behavior (SIB). We consider various aspects of emotion dysregulation in ŠIB: lack of knowledge about regulatory strategies/lack of skill in using them, avoidance and suppression as preferred regulatory strategies, heightened emotional reac-tivity and intensity, prevailing negative emotions. These and other factors of emotion dysregulation are verified in empiric studies conducted along several directions: studies of emotion dynamics impairment, verification of empirical or clinical models of emotion dysregulation, and psychophysiological research. We note a large variety of methods that operationalize emotion dysregulation: self-report scales, emotion induction, ecological momentary assessment, clinical observation and interviewing. We conclude by stating the necessity of studying the interpersonal context of emotion dysregulation in SIB.