Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in College Students: the Role of Perfectionism and Rumination

This study sought to clarify the contribution of perfectionism & rumination, along with depression & anxiety, to nonsuicidal self-injury within a sample of 170 college students. Group comparisons revealed that participants with a history of nonsuicidal self-injury endorsed significantly more rumination, depressive, & anxious symptoms than non-nonsuicidal self-injury controls. Results regarding perfectionism were mixed, with nonsuicidal self-injury participants differing from controls on select aspects of perfectionism. Results suggest higher levels of depression & anxiety & a ruminative cognitive style may increase vulnerability for nonsuicidal self-injury; however, further research is needed to clarify the role of perfectionism. (36 refs.)