scholarly journals Opening the Black Box of Daily Life in Nonsuicidal Self-injury Research: With Great Opportunity Comes Great Responsibility

10.2196/30915 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. e30915
Author(s):  
Glenn Kiekens ◽  
Kealagh Robinson ◽  
Ruth Tatnell ◽  
Olivia J Kirtley

Although nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI)—deliberate damaging of body tissue without suicidal intent—is a behavior that occurs in interaction with real-world contexts, studying NSSI in the natural environment has historically been impossible. Recent advances in real-time monitoring technologies have revolutionized our ability to do exactly that, providing myriad research and clinical practice opportunities. In this viewpoint paper, we review new research pathways to improve our ability to understand, predict, and prevent NSSI, and provide critical perspectives on the responsibilities inherent to conducting real-time monitoring studies on NSSI. Real-time monitoring brings unique opportunities to advance scientific understanding about (1) the dynamic course of NSSI, (2) the real-time predictors thereof and ability to detect acute risk, (3) the ecological validity of theoretical models, (4) the functional mechanisms and outcomes of NSSI, and (5) the promotion of person-centered care and novel technology-based interventions. By considering the opportunities of real-time monitoring research in the context of the accompanying responsibilities (eg, inclusive recruitment, sound and transparent research practices, participant safety and engagement, measurement reactivity, researcher well-being and training), we provide novel insights and resources to open the black box of daily life in the next decade(s) of NSSI research.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glenn Kiekens ◽  
Kealagh Robinson ◽  
Ruth Tatnell ◽  
Olivia J Kirtley

UNSTRUCTURED Although nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI)—deliberate damaging of body tissue without suicidal intent—is a behavior that occurs in interaction with real-world contexts, studying NSSI in the natural environment has historically been impossible. Recent advances in real-time monitoring technologies have revolutionized our ability to do exactly that, providing myriad research and clinical practice opportunities. In this viewpoint paper, we review new research pathways to improve our ability to understand, predict, and prevent NSSI, and provide critical perspectives on the responsibilities inherent to conducting real-time monitoring studies on NSSI. Real-time monitoring brings unique opportunities to advance scientific understanding about (1) the dynamic course of NSSI, (2) the real-time predictors thereof and ability to detect acute risk, (3) the ecological validity of theoretical models, (4) the functional mechanisms and outcomes of NSSI, and (5) the promotion of person-centered care and novel technology-based interventions. By considering the opportunities of real-time monitoring research in the context of the accompanying responsibilities (eg, inclusive recruitment, sound and transparent research practices, participant safety and engagement, measurement reactivity, researcher well-being and training), we provide novel insights and resources to open the black box of daily life in the next decade(s) of NSSI research.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glenn Kiekens ◽  
Kealagh Robinson ◽  
Ruth Tatnell ◽  
Olivia J Kirtley

Although non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) - deliberate damaging body tissue without suicidal intent - is a behavior that occurs in interaction with real-world contexts, studying NSSI in the natural environment has historically been impossible. Recent advances in real-time monitoring technologies have revolutionized our ability to do exactly that, providing myriad research and clinical practice opportunities. In this position paper, we first propose an agenda for new research pathways using real-time monitoring methods to improve our ability to understand, predict and prevent self-injurious thoughts, urges, and behavior in everyday life. Second, we offer critical perspectives on the ethical and practical responsibilities inherent when studying self-injury 'in the wild' outside a controlled laboratory environment. By considering the opportunities of real-time monitoring research in the context of the accompanying responsibilities, we provide novel insights and resources to the scientific community to open the black box of daily life in the next decade(s) of research.


2021 ◽  
Vol 137 ◽  
pp. 103775
Author(s):  
Taylor A. Burke ◽  
Kathryn Fox ◽  
Marin Kautz ◽  
David M. Siegel ◽  
Evan Kleiman ◽  
...  

2008 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 146-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meinrad Perrez ◽  
Michael Reicherts ◽  
Yves Hänggi ◽  
Andrea B. Horn ◽  
Gisela Michel ◽  
...  

Abstract. Most research in health psychology is based on retrospective self reports, which are distorted by recall biases and have low ecological validity. To overcome such limitations we developed computer assisted diary approaches to assess health related behaviours in individuals’, couples’ and families’ daily life. The event- and time-sampling-based instruments serve to assess appraisals of the current situation, feelings of physical discomfort, current emotional states, conflict and emotion regulation in daily life. They have proved sufficient reliability and validity in the context of individual, couple and family research with respect to issues like emotion regulation and health. As examples: Regarding symptom reporting curvilinear pattern of frequencies over the day could be identified by parents and adolescents; or psychological well-being is associated with lower variability in basic affect dimensions. In addition, we report on preventive studies to improve parental skills and enhance their empathic competences towards their baby, and towards their partner.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel D.L. Coppersmith ◽  
Kate H. Bentley ◽  
Evan M. Kleiman ◽  
Matthew K. Nock

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-38
Author(s):  
Johanna Hepp ◽  
Ryan W. Carpenter ◽  
Lindsey K. Freeman ◽  
Tayler J. Vebares ◽  
Timothy J. Trull

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Caitlin O'Loughlin ◽  
Taylor A. Burke ◽  
Brooke A. Ammerman

Abstract. Background: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a strong predictor of suicide attempts (SA). Characteristics of NSSI have been shown to influence the NSSI–SA relationship; however, the temporal nature of this association is understudied. Aims: This study aimed to elucidate the NSSI-SA relationship by examining the association between NSSI characteristics and time lapsed from NSSI onset to first SA. Method: Participants were 111 individuals with a history of NSSI that preceded their first SA who completed a series of self-report measures. Results: NSSI methods of cutting and burning, and the anti-dissociation function, were associated with a shorter transition time from NSSI to SA. Earlier age of NSSI onset and the interpersonal boundaries function were related to a longer time to transition. Limitations: This sample size was limited, and data were collected cross-sectionally. Conclusion: Findings provide foundational knowledge regarding NSSI characteristics to inform theoretical models of the NSSI–SA association. This information can inform suicide risk assessments among those with a history of NSSI.


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