Connections to Self, Others and Higher Power in Relation to Self-Injury

Abstract

Despite the growing attention to self-injury in non-clinical populations, college-age individuals have been underrepresented in the research. This study examined the role of connections to self, connections to others, and connections to higher power on propensity toward self-injury in a college population, from relational cultural and psychodynamic perspectives. Connection to self was measured by looking at alexithymia and attitude toward dreams; connection to others was measured by degree of interpersonal problems; and connection to higher power was measured by looking at spiritual transcendence. Alexithymia, interpersonal problems and positive attitude toward dreams were found to predict greater propensity toward self-injury, whereas spiritual connection was not. Students with alexithymia were found to have difficulties in interpersonal relationships and have more negative attitudes toward dreams.