Changes in Distress and Iatrogenic Effects while Participating in Longitudinal NSSI Research

Abstract

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is the intentional damage to bodily tissues without the intent to the die. NSSI research is necessary because long term NSSI is linked to increased suicidal ideation. Previous literature shows that survey based NSSI research does not lead to iatrogenic effects. However, exposure to some sensitive stimuli particularly images of NSSI, could lead to lead to short term increased distress. Continuous exposure to potentially unpleasant stimuli can decrease distress compared to the initial exposure. However, this effect may depend on sample characteristics, and it is unclear how participant distress to repeated exposure to NSSI-specific stimuli may change over the course of longitudinal studies. Given the growth of longitudinal NSSI research, it is important to test how repeat exposure to NSSI stimuli affects participants.