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Comparing self-harming intentions underlying eating disordered behaviors and NSSI: Evidence that distinctions are less clear than assumed.

Author
Abstract
:

Eating disordered (ED) behaviors (i.e., binge eating, compensatory behaviors, restrictive eating) and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI; intentional and nonsuicidal self-harm) are highly comorbid and share several similarities, including consequent pain and physical damage. However, whereas NSSI is considered direct self-harm, ED behaviors are considered indirect self-harm. These distinctions stem from theoretical understanding that NSSI is enacted to cause physical harm in the moment, whereas ED behaviors are enacted for other reasons, with consequent physical harm occurring downstream of the behaviors. We sought to build on these theoretically informed classifications by assessing a range of self-harming intentions across NSSI and ED behaviors.

Year of Publication
:
2019
Journal
:
The International journal of eating disorders
Volume
:
52
Issue
:
5
Number of Pages
:
564-575
ISSN Number
:
0276-3478
URL
:
https://doi.org/10.1002/eat.23041
DOI
:
10.1002/eat.23041
Short Title
:
Int J Eat Disord
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