This study compares the psychophysiological and psychological reactions of individuals who engage in self-harming behaviours. Specifically, we are interested in the processes that are involved in self-harm (such as motivational, personality and cognitive factors), and comparing this with other impulsive behaviours.

Self-harm behaviours under investigation include (but are not limited to): deliberately cutting and/or burning oneself and any other forms of self-inflicted physical injuries.

Participation is open to all individuals who have engaged in non-suicidal self-harm, regardless of age or gender.

Your participation will help to further our understanding of the processes involved with self-harm, and contribute the development of improved treatment options. The study is being conducted as part of Erin Bowe's PhD(clin) research

Participation involves 2 sessions. Participants will be invited to complete a set of questionnaires as well as describe their experiences in a confidential one-on-one setting with the investigator (who is a registered clinical psychologist). In this session, participants will be asked to describe an incident of self-harm, an emotionally neutral event (such as making a cup of coffee) and a stressful event which is not associated with self-harm. Participants will also be asked to describe an additional impulsive behaviour which they have engaged in such as gambling, shoplifting, excessive spending/shopping, substance use or other behaviours which could be considered impulsive in nature.

In the second session, the investigator will read these events back to the participant and psychophysiological recordings of your heart rate and respiration (breathing) will be measured. A debrief will be conducted thereafter.

Psych 1 participants will be provided with 3-3.5 credit hours.

If you would like to find out more or if you wish to participate in this study, please contact either Erin Bowe (chief investigator) or Dr Janet Haines (supervisor) on 62267145, or by email (see below).

Research Participation Submission Form
The School of Psychology welcomes your participation. Please complete and submit the form below. The output of this form goes to the experiment coordinator.