Why Do People Hurt Themselves? A New Conceptual Model of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

Abstract

The motivation to avoid pain and injury is a fundamental instinct, crucial to the survival of individuals and species. Yet, each year, millions of people purposefully and directly injure themselves in the absence of suicidal intent. Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) has perplexed psychologists for decades. To advance understanding of NSSI, we present a new model—the benefits and barriers model of NSSI. This model builds on the supported elements of prior models, integrates information from recent experimental and longitudinal NSSI studies, and closely aligns with advances in basic psychological science. The core tenets of this model are that (a) NSSI carries many powerful benefits that are accessible to most people, but (b) most people do not access these benefits because there are several natural or instinctive barriers that motivate them to avoid self-injury. Preliminary work based on this model has produced novel NSSI risk factors and an effective NSSI treatment approach.