Publication
Title
Variability in affective activation predicts non-suicidal self-injury in eating disorders
Author
Abstract
We examined whether affective variability can predict non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in eating disorders. Affect was represented by valence (positive versus negative) and activation (high versus low). Twenty-one patients with anorexia nervosa-restricting type, 18 patients with anorexia nervosa-binge-purging type and 20 patients with bulimia nervosa reported their momentary affect at nine random times a day during a one week period using a hand-held computer. Affective variability was calculated as the within-person standard deviation of valence and activation over time. Results indicate that patients displaying greater variability in activation and using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have a higher probability to engage in lifetime NSSI after adjustment for depression and borderline personality disorder. Neither variability of valence nor mean level of valence and activation had any predictive association with engaging in NSSI. It is suggested that the treatment of NSSI should focus on affect stabilization rather than reducing negative affect. Copyright (c) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Language
English
Source (journal)
European eating disorders review. - Bognor Regis
Publication
Bognor Regis : 2013
ISSN
1072-4133
1099-0968 [online]
DOI
10.1002/ERV.2220
Volume/pages
21 :2 (2013) , p. 143-147
ISI
000314749000007
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Publication type
Subject
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 12.04.2017
Last edited 12.02.2023
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