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Piarulli FM, Margari A, Margari F, Matera E, Viola G, Maiorano C, De Agazio G, Tarantino F, Carruolo V, Petruzzelli MG. Cutting into the Mirror: Association of Body Image Concerns with Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents and Young Adults with Eating Disorders. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2025; 15:23. [PMID: 39997087 PMCID: PMC11854202 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe15020023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2025] [Accepted: 02/06/2025] [Indexed: 02/26/2025] Open
Abstract
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a transdiagnostic behavior often found in patients with eating disorders (EDs). Both conditions plateau in adolescence and share psychopathological traits. Our study focuses on body image concerns, a complex psychopathological construct associated with both NSSI and ED, as a shared risk factor between the two. This study included 73 participants aged 14-24 recruited from the Eating Disorders Day Hospital, University Hospital of Bari, Italy, divided into two groups: those with an ED and NSSI (ED + NSSI) and those with an ED without NSSI (ED-only). Using standardized assessments such as clinical and demographical data, the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT-a), and the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI-2), this study found that the ED + NSSI group exhibited significantly higher body image concerns in all main scales and subscales of BUT-a and EDI-2. Moreover, the ED + NSSI group presented higher scores on psychopathological traits associated with a more severe ED, namely Ineffectiveness, Social Insecurity, and Asceticism. Finally, patients in the ED + NSSI group were diagnosed with a higher degree of depressive disorders. These findings highlight significant associations between body image concerns and NSSI in patients with an ED, also showing a higher risk of psychiatric comorbidities and a more severe ED profile in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Maria Piarulli
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.M.P.); (F.M.); (G.V.); (G.D.A.); (F.T.); (V.C.); (M.G.P.)
- Department of Mental Health, ASL Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Anna Margari
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Francesco Margari
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.M.P.); (F.M.); (G.V.); (G.D.A.); (F.T.); (V.C.); (M.G.P.)
| | - Emilia Matera
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Viola
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.M.P.); (F.M.); (G.V.); (G.D.A.); (F.T.); (V.C.); (M.G.P.)
| | | | - Gabriele De Agazio
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.M.P.); (F.M.); (G.V.); (G.D.A.); (F.T.); (V.C.); (M.G.P.)
| | - Fabio Tarantino
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.M.P.); (F.M.); (G.V.); (G.D.A.); (F.T.); (V.C.); (M.G.P.)
| | - Valeria Carruolo
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.M.P.); (F.M.); (G.V.); (G.D.A.); (F.T.); (V.C.); (M.G.P.)
| | - Maria Giuseppina Petruzzelli
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (F.M.P.); (F.M.); (G.V.); (G.D.A.); (F.T.); (V.C.); (M.G.P.)
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Longo P, Martini M, Toppino F, De Bacco C, Preti A, Abbate-Daga G, Panero M. Analysis of Suicidal Behavior in Adult Inpatients with Anorexia Nervosa: Prevalence of Suicide Attempts and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Associated Factors-Data Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Clin Med 2024; 13:6952. [PMID: 39598096 PMCID: PMC11594882 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13226952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2024] [Revised: 11/10/2024] [Accepted: 11/16/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Anorexia nervosa (AN) has a high mortality rate frequently related to suicidality; however, there are few studies on suicide attempts (SAs) and non-suicidal self-injuries (NSSIs) in adult inpatients with AN. This study aims to describe SA and NSSI prevalence and related clinical and sociodemographic factors in adult inpatients with AN. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data on 298 inpatients hospitalized between 2014 and 2023. Suicidality and clinical and sociodemographic data were collected by experienced psychiatrists; then, the patients completed a battery of self-report questionnaires investigating eating-related and general psychopathology. Results: A total of 9.7% of the inpatients reported an SA in their lifetime, and 13.4% reported NSSI. The percentages were lower among patients with restricter-type AN (5.6% SA and 6.6% NSSI) and higher among patients with binge-purging AN (18% SA and 27% NSSI). SAs were associated with unemployment, binge-purging AN, personality disorders, and lifetime sexual abuse; NSSIs were correlated with family psychiatric disorders, binge-purging AN, personality disorders, body dissatisfaction, restriction, and eating-related concerns. No differences emerged in the frequency of reported suicidality between patients tested before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: Suicidality is a relevant issue in AN. Many factors in the history of the patients and their eating-related pathologies should be considered as potentially associated with SA and NSSI and carefully assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Giovanni Abbate-Daga
- Eating Disorder Center for Treatment and Research, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 11, 10126 Turin, Italy; (P.L.); (M.M.); (F.T.); (C.D.B.); (A.P.); (M.P.)
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Tie B, Zhu C, He J, Qiu J. How does COVID-19-related social media usage influence disordered eating? A daily diary study among Chinese adults during lockdown. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:230. [PMID: 38115070 PMCID: PMC10729549 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00952-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite previous studies highlighting the benefits of social media use during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly under lockdown, limited research has identified the potential detrimental consequences of social media use during lockdown. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the effects of social media on mental health in particular situations and the mechanisms underlying these effects. METHODS A daily diary protocol was adopted. A total of 96 adults (Mage = 25.90 ± 8.32 years) were recruited from Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China. COVID-19-related social media use, psychological distress, COVID-19-related stress and anxiety, and disordered eating were measured each day for a week. Multilevel path analyses for the nested data were conducted. RESULTS Daily COVID-19-related social media use was positively related to daily disordered eating (r = .13 p < .001). Furthermore, the multilevel path analysis showed that psychological distress and COVID-19-related stress and anxiety mediated the relationship between COVID-19-related social media use and disordered eating at the within-person level. However, only COVID-19-related-anxiety mediated the relationship at the between-person level. CONCLUSIONS Our findings contribute to the understanding of social media's impact during lockdown and provide implications for social media users, social media platform providers, mental health professionals, and governments regarding the correct and sustainable use of social media during the COVID-19 pandemic and in future public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijie Tie
- Center for Studies of Education and Psychology of Ethnic Minorities in Southwest China, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Chengquan Zhu
- Department of Psychology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- School of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jinbo He
- School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, 518172, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jiang Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Cognition and Personality (SWU), Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China.
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University (SWU), No. 2 TianSheng Road, Beibei District, Chongqing, 400715, China.
- Southwest University Branch, Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment Toward Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
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Gossage LE, Narayanan A, Dipnall JF, Berk M, Sumich A, Haslbeck JMB, Iusitini L, Wrapson W, Tautolo ES, Siegert R. Understanding suicidality in Pacific adolescents in New Zealand using network analysis. Suicide Life Threat Behav 2023; 53:826-842. [PMID: 37571910 DOI: 10.1111/sltb.12986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pacific adolescents in New Zealand (NZ) are three to four times more likely than NZ European adolescents to report suicide attempts and have higher rates of suicidal plans. Suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts, termed suicidality in this study, result from a complex dynamic interplay of factors, which emerging methodologies like network analysis aim to capture. METHODS This study used cross-sectional network analysis to model the relationships between suicidality, self-harm, and individual depression symptoms, whilst conditioning on a multi-dimensional set of variables relevant to suicidality. A series of network models were fitted to data from a community sample of New Zealand-born Pacific adolescents (n = 550; 51% male; Mean age (SD) = 17 (0.35)). RESULTS Self-harm and the depression symptom measuring pessimism had the strongest associations with suicidality, followed by symptoms related to having a negative self-image about looks and sadness. Nonsymptom risk factors for self-harm and suicidality differed markedly. CONCLUSIONS Depression symptoms varied widely in terms of their contribution to suicidality, highlighting the valuable information gained from analysing depression at the symptom-item level. Reducing the sources of pessimism and building self-esteem presented as potential targets for alleviating suicidality amongst Pacific adolescents in New Zealand. Suicide prevention strategies need to include risk factors for self-harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa E Gossage
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ajit Narayanan
- School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Joanna F Dipnall
- Clinical Registries, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- IMPACT-The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University and Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Berk
- IMPACT-The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University and Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Centre for Youth Mental Health, Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alexander Sumich
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jonas M B Haslbeck
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Psychological Methods, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Leon Iusitini
- New Zealand Work Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Wendy Wrapson
- School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - El-Shadan Tautolo
- AUT Pacific Health Research Centre, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard Siegert
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
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Wang LJZ, Lan Y, Liu SJ, Yan WS. Impact of the COVID-19 and psychological risk factors on non-suicidal self-injury behavior among high school students: a one-year follow-up study. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:512. [PMID: 37452290 PMCID: PMC10349405 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05021-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behavior is a severe public health issue in adolescents. This study investigated the possible impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and analyzed psychological risk factors on adolescent NSSI. METHODS A one-year follow-up study was conducted in September 2019 (Time 1) and September 2020 (Time 2) among 3588 high school students. The completed follow-up participants (N = 2527) were classified into no NSSI (negative at both time points), emerging NSSI (negative at Time 1 but positive at Time 2), and sustained NSSI (positive at both time points) subgroups according to their NSSI behaviors before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Perceived family functioning, perceived school climate, negative life events, personality traits (neuroticism, impulsivity, and self-control) were assessed using self-report scales. RESULTS The data indicated an increase (10.3%) in the incidence of NSSI. Compared to no NSSI subjects, the emerging NSSI and sustained NSSI subgroups had lower perceived family functioning, higher neuroticism, higher impulse-system but lower self-control scores, and more negative life events. Logistic regressions revealed that after controlling for demographics, neuroticism and impulse-system levels at Time 1 positively predicted emerging NSSI behavior, and similarly, higher neuroticism and impulsivity and lower self-control at Time 1 predicted sustained NSSI behavior. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlighted the aggravated impact of the COVID-19 on NSSI, and suggested that individual neuroticism, impulsivity, and self-control traits might be crucial for the development of NSSI behavior among adolescent students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu-Jiao-Zi Wang
- Department of Psychology, School of Medical Humanitarians, Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Yunyan District, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Yan Lan
- Department of Psychology, School of Medical Humanitarians, Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Yunyan District, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Su-Jiao Liu
- Department of Psychology, School of Medical Humanitarians, Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Yunyan District, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Wan-Sen Yan
- Department of Psychology, School of Medical Humanitarians, Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Yunyan District, Guiyang, 550004, China.
- Guizhou Research Institute for Health Development, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.
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Zelkowitz RL, Cole DA, Sterba SK, Liu Q, Lau AS, Trung LT, Weiss B. Latent profile analyses of disordered eating behaviors and nonsuicidal self-injury among Vietnamese adolescents. Int J Eat Disord 2022; 55:1721-1732. [PMID: 36165444 PMCID: PMC11966736 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Comorbidity of disordered eating (DE) behaviors and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is linked to increased functional impairment. The present study identified subtypes of DE and NSSI comorbidity in a non-Western, low- and middle-income country where there has been particularly little research in this area. METHOD Latent profile analyses (LPA) were conducted to identify patterns of subgroup comorbidity in self-reported DE behaviors and NSSI behaviors, in a sample of Vietnamese high-school students (N = 1451, 51% female). Parallel-process LPA was used to predict NSSI subgroup membership from DE subgroup membership. RESULTS A seven-class LPA model was identified for DE: (1) Low frequencies of all DE behaviors; (2) Frequent levels of all DE behaviors; (3) Frequent fasting and purging behaviors; (4) Frequent binge eating only; (5) Moderate binge eating; (6) Moderate fasting and purging behaviors; (7) Exercise and fasting. A two-class (high versus low) model was identified for NSSI. Odds of membership in the high-NSSI class were significantly increased for all DE classes except the class characterized by moderate binge eating. Odds of belonging to the high-NSSI class were highest for those in DE classes involving purging behaviors. Males predominated in classes characterized by high behavior dysregulation. DISCUSSION DE and NSSI represent important clinical concerns among Vietnamese youth in urban contexts, and males may show particular vulnerability for certain risk behaviors. The association of classes of DE behaviors to NSSI was particularly strong for classes that involved purging, highlighting the importance of this specific behavior for understanding comorbidity of DE and NSSI. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE Disordered eating and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI; hurting oneself without intending to die) commonly co-occur. There has been less research on disordered eating and NSSI among individuals from non-Western or low/middle-income countries. We examined patterns of these behaviors in a school-based sample of Vietnamese adolescents. We found that patterns of disordered eating distinguished by purging showed particular links to NSSI, which could have implications for screening and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L. Zelkowitz
- Women’s Health Sciences Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - David A. Cole
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sonya K. Sterba
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Qimin Liu
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Anna S. Lau
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | | | - Bahr Weiss
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
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Tie B, Tang C, Ren Y, Cui S, He J. Internalized Homophobia, Body Dissatisfaction, Psychological Distress, and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Among Young Sexual Minority Men in China. LGBT Health 2022; 9:555-563. [PMID: 35708638 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2022.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Sexual minority men (SMM) have been shown to be at high risk of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Internalized homophobia, body dissatisfaction, and psychological distress have been found to be related to NSSI among SMM, but few studies have focused on the mechanisms underlying these associations. Thus, the current study was conducted to examine the association between internalized homophobia and NSSI, and whether body dissatisfaction and psychological distress mediate this relationship among young SMM in China. Methods: In total, 264 young SMM (mean age, 22.00 ± 2.86 years) in Henan Province, China, participated in the study. A set of questionnaires were used to assess participants' internalized homophobia, body fat dissatisfaction, muscularity dissatisfaction, psychological distress, and NSSI. Correlation and mediation analyses were used to examine the data. Results: Internalized homophobia correlated positively with NSSI (r = 0.24, p < 0.001) among young SMM in China. This relationship was partly mediated by body fat dissatisfaction, muscularity dissatisfaction, and psychological distress. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that internalized homophobia is a risk factor for NSSI among young SMM in China, and that body fat and muscle dissatisfaction and psychological distress underlie the association between internalized homophobia and NSSI. In developing interventions targeting NSSI among SMM, the findings of the current study should be considered to improve intervention outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bijie Tie
- Department of Psychology, School of Education, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chanyuan Tang
- Department of Applied Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yaoxiang Ren
- Department of Applied Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shuqi Cui
- Department of Applied Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jinbo He
- Department of Applied Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
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