A multi-measure examination of interoception in people with recent nonsuicidal self-injury

Lauren N. Forrest, April R. Smith

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Self-injurious behaviors (SIB) are highly dangerous, yet prediction remains weak. Novel SIB correlates must be identified, such as impaired interoception. This study examined whether two forms of interoceptive processing (accuracy and sensibility) for multiple sensations (general, cardiac, and pain) differed between people with and without recent nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Method: Participants were adults with recent (n = 48) NSSI and with no history of SIBs (n = 55). Interoceptive sensibility was assessed with self-reports. Interoceptive accuracy for cardiac sensations was assessed using the heartbeat tracking task. Interoceptive accuracy for pain was assessed with a novel metric that mirrored the heartbeat tracking test. Results: Participants with recent NSSI reported significantly lower interoceptive sensibility for general sensations relative to people without SIBs. Groups did not differ on interoceptive sensibility for cardiac sensations or pain. Groups also did not differ on interoceptive accuracy for cardiac sensations. The NSSI group exhibited significantly lower interoceptive accuracy for pain compared with the No SIB group. Conclusions: Interoceptive impairment in people with NSSI may vary by interoceptive domain and sensation type. Diminished interoceptive accuracy for sensations relevant to the pathophysiology of self-injury may be a novel SIB correlate.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)492-503
Number of pages12
JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior
Volume51
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2021

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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