Understanding deliberate self-harm among college women: Applying feminist theory to the affect regulation model

This study examined potential contributors to self-harm behavior (DSH) among college women aged 18-25 years (N = 447). A model explaining DSH lifetime history among young women was tested, bridging feminist thought with the affect regulation model. Specifically, it was hypothesized that greater inauthenticity in relationships and body objectification, more negative attitudes towards emotional expression, less frequent emotional disclosure, and greater difficulties with emotion regulation would contribute to a greater likelihood of DSH. A total of 29.7% (N = 131) participants reported a history of DSH. Structural equation modeling (SEM) results resulted in revision of the hypothesized model. The identified model explaining DSH likelihood suggests greater inauthenticity in relationships, greater body objectification, more negative attitudes towards emotional expression, and greater difficulty with emotion regulation contribute to increased likelihood of DSH, after accounting for mental health diagnoses. Results indicate that the internalization of certain pressures for young women (i.e., inauthenticity in relationships and body objectification), as well as factors identified in the affect regulation model (i.e., negative attitudes towards emotional expression and difficulties with emotion regulation), work together in informing the understanding DSH among this population.