The Relation of Anxiety to Nonsuicidal Self Injury Is Indirect Through Mindfulness

Objectives Extant research indicates a robust association between anxiety and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). However, research identifying factors that may account for this relation is lacking. Mindfulness is one candidate construct that may account for the relation of anxiety to NSSI. The objective of the present study was to examine the indirect relation of anxiety to recurrent NSSI and NSSI versatility (i.e., the number of different NSSI methods used) through overall and specific facets of mindfulness while controlling for participant sex and depression symptoms. Methods Undergraduates ( N = 339; Female = 76.4%), of whom approximately 14% reported recurrent NSSI behavior, completed the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-21, and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. Four path-analytic regression analyses were conducted. Results Results revealed significant positive indirect relations of anxiety to recurrent NSSI and NSSI versatility through low total mindfulness, [95% CIs [0.001, 0.024] and [0.001, 0.008], respectively. Examination of mindfulness facets indicated significant positive indirect relations of anxiety to recurrent NSSI and NSSI versatility through nonjudging only, 95% CIs [0.001, 0.033] and [0.0001, 0.012], respectively. Conclusions Mindfulness partially accounts for NSSI behavior among individuals struggling with anxiety.