Behavior Modification
XX(X) 1–38
© The Author(s) 2013
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DOI: 10.1177/0145445513508977
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Article
Why Stop Self-Injuring?
Development of the
Reasons to Stop Self-
Injury Questionnaire
Brianna J. Turner
1
, Alexander L. Chapman
1
, and
Kim L. Gratz
2
Abstract
We developed a measure of reasons to refrain from nonsuicidal self-
injury (NSSI), the Reasons to Stop Self-Injury Questionnaire (RSSIQ),
and examined how such reasons are associated with vulnerability versus
resiliency for NSSI. Following qualitative item generation, we explored the
factor structure, reliability, and convergent validity of the RSSIQ in 218 self-
injuring undergraduates. In Study 2, we confirmed the hierarchical factor
structure in 146 self-injuring individuals. In Study 3, we examined the
incremental predictive validity of the RSSIQ. These studies resulted in a 40-
item inventory with nine subscales and two higher-order factors. Resiliency-
related reasons to stop NSSI were associated with greater hopefulness,
social support, and adaptive coping, and prospectively protected against
NSSI 3 months later, while vulnerability-related reasons were associated
with greater psychopathology and dysfunctional coping, and predicted more
chronic and severe NSSI. These studies, and the RSSIQ, can enhance the
assessment and treatment of NSSI by clarifying motivations to stop NSSI.
Keywords
nonsuicidal self-injury, deliberate self-harm, protective factors, assessment
1
Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
2
University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
Corresponding Author:
Brianna J. Turner, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC British
Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada.
Email: briannat@sfu.ca
508977BMO XX X 10.1177/0145445513508977Turner et al.Behavior Modication
research-article 2013