Home / Awards / Invited Fellow / Dr. Kim L. Gratz Dr. Kim L. Gratz Previous Dr. Kim L. Gratz is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychology at the University of Toledo (United States) who is an influential figure in the study of emotion regulation and self-injury. Her pioneering research on borderline personality disorder, emotion dysregulation, and the mechanisms underlying self-destructive behaviors has shaped modern understanding and treatment approaches. She is recognized for her exceptional clinical insight, innovative research, and her mentorship of emerging clinicians and scientists. Her compassion, intellect, and advocacy have made her a cornerstone of the self-injury research community. Next ISSS Fellow | 2024

Stephen Lewis, PhD, from the University of Guelph in Canada and Immediate Past President of the International Society for the Study of Self-Injury (ISSS) discusses the state of health information about self-injury on the internet and addresses the risks and benefits of seeking self-injury and self-harm content online. Season 1 | Episode 5 Podcast/ Season 1 | Episode 5 Self-Injury and the Internet Jan 29, 2021 with Dr. Stephen Lewis Self-Injury and the Internet with Dr. Stephen Lewis 00:00 / 01:04 What is the quality of online health information related to self-injury and self-harm? What are some of the risks and benefits related to seeking self-injury content on the internet? In this episode, Dr. Lewis details 3 overarching risks and 4 overarching benefits of accessing self-injury content online. He also discusses his research related to the effects of hopeless vs. hopeful comments on YouTube videos about self-injury. To watch Dr. Lewis' TEDx talk about his own lived experience of self-injury on YouTube, visit https://youtu.be/G17iMOw0ar8 . Learn more about self-injury and Dr. Lewis' work at Self-injury Outreach & Support (SiOS) ( http://sioutreach.org/ ). Follow SiOS on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/sioutreach ) and Twitter ( https://twitter.com/sioutreach ). Below are links to his research and resources referenced in this episode: Non-suicidal self-injury, youth, and the Internet: What mental health professionals need to know Googling self-injury: The state of health Information obtained through online searches for self-injury The Scope of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury on YouTube Self-Injury Resources: Self-injury Outreach & Support (SiOS) ( http://sioutreach.org/ ) Shedding Light on Self-Injury ( https://www.self-injury.org.au/ ) Self-Injury & Recovery Resources (SIRR) ( www.selfinjury.bctr.cornell.edu ) The International Society for the Study of Self-Injury (ISSS) ( https://itriples.org/ ) Follow Dr. Westers on Instagram and Twitter (@DocWesters). To join ISSS, visit itriples.org and follow ISSS on Facebook and Twitter (@ITripleS). Previous Next

Greg Lengel, PhD, from Drake University in Iowa walks us through self-harm in the DSM-5 and the six criteria for the proposed diagnosis of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Disorder. Season 4 | Episode 45 Podcast/ Season 4 | Episode 45 DSM-5 & Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Disorder Jan 26, 2024 with Dr. Greg Lengel DSM-5 & Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Disorder with Dr. Greg Lengel 00:00 / 01:04 In 2013, the 5th edition of the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) was released, and for the first time it included Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Disorder as a Condition for Further Study. It is not an actual diagnosis at this time, but there are currently six criteria listed (see below, bottom of page). In this episode, Dr. Greg Lengel from Drake University in Iowa walks us through what research says about each of the six criteria, and he discusses the pros and cons of formalizing NSSI Disorder as a diagnosis. Listen to his interview with Dr. Brooke Ammerman from Season 3 ("How Should Self-Harm Be Defined?") here . Learn more about Dr. Lengel at his faculty profile at Drake University here and follow him on Twitter/X at @DrGregLengel . Below are links to many of the papers discussed in this episode as well as other important papers on NSSI as a disorder in the DSM-5: Shaffer, D., & Jacobson, C. (2009). Proposal to the DSM-V childhood disorder and mood disorder work groups to include non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) as a DSM-V disorder . American Psychiatric Association , 1-21. Lengel, G. J., Ammerman, B. A., & Washburn, J. J. (2023). NSSI in the DSM-5 . In E. E. Lloyd-Richardson, I. Baetens, & J. Whitlock (Vol. Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury . New York: Oxford University Press . Lengel, G. J., Ammerman, B. A., & Washburn, J. J. (2022). Clarifying the definition of nonsuicidal self-injury: Clinician and researcher perspectives . Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 43 , 119-126. Lengel, G. J. & Mullins-Sweatt, S. N. (2013). Nonsuicidal self-injury disorder: Clinician and expert ratings . Psychiatry Research , 210 , 940-944. Ammerman, B. A., Jacobucci, R., Kleiman, E. M., Muehlenkamp, J. J., & McCloskey, M. S. (2017). Development and validation of empirically derived frequency criteria for NSSI disorder using exploratory data mining . Psychological Assessment , 29 , 221-231. Ammerman, B. A., Jacobucci, R., & McCloskey, M. S. (2019). Reconsidering important outcomes of the nonsuicidal self‐injury disorder diagnostic criterion A . Journal of Clinical Psychology , 75 , 1084-1097. Ammerman, B. A., Lengel, G. J, & Washburn J. J. (2021). Consideration of clinician and researcher opinions on the parameters of nonsuicidal self-injury disorder diagnostic criteria . Psychiatry Research, 296 , 113642. Ghinea, D., Edinger, A., Parzer, P., Koenig, J., Resch, F., & Kaess, M. (2020). Non-suicidal self-injury disorder as a stand-alone diagnosis in a consecutive help-seeking sample of adolescents . Journal of Affective Disorders, 274 , 1122-1125. Muehlenkamp, J. J. (2005). Self-injurious behavior as a separate clinical syndrome . American Journal of Orthopsychiatry , 75 , 324–333. Muehlenkamp, J. J., Brausch, A. M., & Washburn, J. J. (2017). How much is enough? Examining frequency criteria for NSSI disorder in adolescent inpatients . Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology , 85 , 611619. Washburn, J. J., Potthoff, L. M., Juzwin, K. R., & Styer, D. M. (2015). Assessing DSM-5 nonsuicidal self-injury disorder in a clinical sample . Psychological Assessment, 27 , 31-41. Zetterqvist, M. (2015). The DSM-5 diagnosis of nonsuicidal self-injury disorder: A review of the empirical literature . Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 9 , 31. Follow Dr. Westers on Instagram and Twitter/X (@DocWesters). To join ISSS, visit itriples.org and follow ISSS on Facebook and Twitter/X (@ITripleS). The Psychology of Self-Injury podcast has been rated #1 by Feedspot in their list of " 10 Best Self Harm Podcasts " and #5 in their " 20 Best Clinical Psychology Podcasts ." It has also been featured in Audible's " Best Mental Health Podcasts to Defy Stigma and Begin to Heal ." If you or someone you know should be interviewed on the podcast, we want to know! Please fill out this form, and we will be in touch with more details if it’s a good fit. NONSUICIDAL SELF-INJURY DISORDER (PROPOSED DIAGNOSIS): A. In the last year, the individual has, on 5 or more days, engaged in intentional self-inflicted damage to the surface of his or her body of a sort likely to induce bleeding, bruising, or pain (e.g., cutting, burning, stabbing, hitting, excessive rubbing), with the expectation that the injury will lead to only minor or moderate physical harm (i.e., there is no suicidal intent). Note: The absence of suicidal intent has either been stated by the individual or can be inferred by the individual's repeated engagement in a behavior that the individual knows, or has learned, is not likely to result in death. B. The individual engages in the self-injurious behavior with one or more of the following expectations: To obtain relief from a negative feeling or cognitive state. To resolve an interpersonal difficulty. To induce a positive feeling state. Note: The desired relief or response is experienced during or shortly after the self-injury, and the individual may display patterns of behavior suggesting a dependence on repeatedly engaging in it. C. The intentional self-injury is associated with at least one of the following: Interpersonal difficulties or negative feelings or thoughts, such as depression, anxiety, tension, anger, generalized distress, or self-criticism, occurring in the period immediately prior to the self-injurious act. Prior to engaging in the act, a period of preoccupation with the intended behavior that is difficult to control. Thinking about self-injury that occurs frequently, even when it is not acted upon. D. The behavior is not socially sanctioned (e.g., body piercing, tattooing, part of a religious or cultural ritual) and is not restricted to picking a scab or nail biting. E. The behavior or its consequences cause clinically significant distress or interference in interpersonal, academic, or other important areas of functioning. F. The behavior does not occur exclusively during psychotic episodes, delirium, substance intoxication, or substance withdrawal. In individuals with a neurodevelopmental disorder, the behavior is not part of a pattern of repetitive stereotypies. The behavior is not better explained by another mental disorder or medical condition (e.g., psychotic disorder, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, Lesch-Nyhan syndrome, stereotypic movement disorder with self-injury, trichotillomania [hair-pulling disorder], excoriation [skin-picking] disorder). Previous Next

Julian Koenig, Dr. sc. hum. (PhD), from the University of Cologne in Germany discusses the psychology of pain in self-injury and self-harm. Season 3 | Episode 40 Podcast/ Season 3 | Episode 40 The Psychology of Self-Injury Pain Aug 25, 2023 with Dr. Julien Koenig The Psychology of Self-Injury Pain with Dr. Julien Koenig 00:00 / 01:04 What is the relationship between nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and pain? Are individuals who self-injure less sensitive to pain than those who don’t self-injure? What are the ethics involved in conducting research on pain? In this episode, Dr. Julian Koenig describes the research on the experience of pain among those who self-harm. Learn more about Dr. Koenig and his research lab at www.koeniglab.de , and follow him on Twitter/X at @koeniglab . Below are links to some of the research referenced in this episode: Koenig, J., Thayer, J. F., & Kaess, M. (2016). A meta-analysis on pain sensitivity in self-injury . Psychological Medicine, 46 (8), 1597-1612. Koenig, J., Klier, J., Parzer, P., Santangelo, P., Resch, F., Ebner-Priemer, U., & Kaess, M. (2021). High-frequency ecological momentary assessment of emotional and interpersonal states preceding and following self-injury in female adolescents . European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 30 (8), 1299-1308. Kaess, M., Hooley, J. M., Klimes-Dougan, B., Koenig, J., Plener, P. L., Reichl, C., Robinson, K., Schmahl, C., Sicorello, M., Schreiner, M. W., & Cullen, K. R. (2021). Advancing a temporal framework for understanding the biology of nonsuicidal self-injury: An expert review . Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews, 130 , 228-239. Störkel, L. M., Karabatsiakis, A., Hepp, J., Kolassa, I.-T., Schmahl, C., & Niedtfeld, I. (2021). Salivary beta-endorphin in nonsuicidal self-injury: an ambulatory assessment study . Neuropsychopharmacology, 46 (7), 1357-1363. Sigrist, C., Kaess, M., & Koenig, J. (2023). Autonomic nervous system function in nonsuicidal self-injury—A Research Domain Criteria perspective on the arousal/regulatory systems . In E. E. Lloyd-Richardson, I. Baetens, & J. Whitlock (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of nonsuicidal self-injury (pp. C18S1–C18S23). Oxford University Press. Naoum, J., Reitz, S., Krause-Utz, A., Kleindienst, N., Willis, F., Kuniss, S., Baumgärtner, U., Mancke, F., Treede, R.-D., & Schmahl, C. (2016). The role of seeing blood in non-suicidal self-injury in female patients with borderline personality disorder . Psychiatry Research, 246 , 676-682. Follow Dr. Westers on Instagram and Twitter/X (@DocWesters). To join ISSS, visit itriples.org and follow ISSS on Facebook and Twitter/X (@ITripleS). The Psychology of Self-Injury podcast has been rated #1 by Feedspot in their list of " 10 Best Self Harm Podcasts " and #5 in their " 20 Best Clinical Psychology Podcasts ." It has also been featured in Audible's " Best Mental Health Podcasts to Defy Stigma and Begin to Heal ." Previous Next

Lexy from Australia shares her story of lived experience of self-injury and stigma and how it has influenced her work in researching self-injury and self-harm. Season 1 | Episode 13 Podcast/ Season 1 | Episode 13 Lived Experience of Self-Injury & Stigma: Lexy's Story May 21, 2021 Lived Experience of Self-Injury & Stigma: Lexy's Story 00:00 / 01:04 In this episode, Lexy details her experience of engaging in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and the stigma she has encountered as a result of self-injury and self-harm. Lexy is the current Student Representative of the International Society for the Study of Self-Injury (ISSS) and a PhD candidate working in the area of self-injury stigma. She is currently working on multiple projects looking at how self-injury stigma is experienced and how it is portrayed in the media. She has recently published a paper outlining how researchers can better understand self-injury stigma: Stigma and nonsuicidal self-injury: Application of a conceptual framework (Staniland, Hasking, Boyes, & Lewis, 2021) Follow Dr. Westers on Instagram and Twitter (@DocWesters). To join ISSS, visit itriples.org and follow ISSS on Facebook and Twitter (@ITripleS). BIG NEWS! The Psychology of Self-Injury podcast has been rated #5 by Feedspot in their " Top 15 Clinical Psychology Podcasts You Must Follow in 2021 ." Click here to see the full Top 15 list. Previous Next

Online 2022 Conferences / 17th Annual Conference | Online 22nd - 24th June, 2022 In 2022, we hosted our 17th Annual International Conference online. Conference Schedule Information for Presenters Details Register for the conference Additional registration information NOTE: If you are from a low or low-middle income nation , please email ISSS2026@akademikonferens.se for a 20% discount. In 2022, we hosted our 17th Annual International Conference online. The conference was packed with inspiring, compelling, and interesting talks from global experts in the field. Program ISSS 2022 Conference Program .pdf Download PDF • 160KB Abstract Book ISSS 2022 Conference Abstract Book .pdf Download PDF • 1.58MB Presentation Slides Invited Fellow ISSS 2022 Conference Invited Fellow Presentation - JW .pdf Download PDF • 10.96MB

About Self-Injury Is NSSI a Disorder? Resources / About Self-Injury / Is NSSI a Disorder? "A condition for further study" The short answer is no, NSSI is not a disorder; however, in 2013, the American Psychiatric Association included Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Disorder (NSSI-D) as a condition for further study in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5). ISSS was consulted during the development of the proposed criteria for NSSI-D, where concerns and benefits of the diagnosis were discussed. There are currently six diagnostic criteria, and ISSS members continue to be involved in research to improve the reliability and validity of these criteria. Criterion A The first criterion relates to the frequency of self-injury. To meet this criterion, self-injury must have occurred on at least five days during the previous 12 months. Criterion B The second criterion relates to the reasons for engaging in self-injury. To meet this criterion, self-injury must have occurred for one or more of the following reasons: To reduce negative thoughts or emotion To manage interpersonal difficulties To induce a positive state Criterion C There are several components captured by the third criterion. To meet this criterion, self-injury must meet one of more of the following: Be preceded by: negative thoughts/emotions conflict with others Involve preoccupation with self-injury that is difficult to resist Involve recurrent thoughts about self-injury Criterion D This is an exclusion criterion, and stipulates that the self-injurious behaviours must not be socially sanctioned. Therefore, behaviours that cause injury but are socially acceptable, such as piercing or body modification, are excluded. Criterion E As with other disorders outlined in the DSM, to meet this criterion, the self-injury must cause distress or interfere with an individual's quality of life. Criterion F As with other disorders outlined in the DSM, to meet this criterion, the self-injury must cause distress or interfere with an individual's quality of life. References Zetterqvist, M. (2015). The DSM-5 diagnosis of nonsuicidal self-injury disorder: A review of the empirical literature. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health , 9 , Article 31. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-015-0062-7

Jennifer Hughes, PhD, MPH, from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, describes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as an intervention for nonsuicidal self-injury and self-harm. Season 1 | Episode 19 Podcast/ Season 1 | Episode 19 Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Self-Harm Nov 5, 2021 with Dr. Jenny Hughes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Self-Harm with Dr. Jenny Hughes 00:00 / 01:04 Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has been lauded as an evidence-based treatment for addressing suicidal and nonsuicidal thoughts and behaviors. In this episode, Dr. Jenny Hughes explains what DBT is, describes what "dialectical" means, and walks us through how each of the four modules of DBT can be used to address nonsuicidal self-injury and self-harm: (1) Emotion Regulation, (2) Distress Tolerance, (3) Interpersonal Effectiveness, and (4) Mindfulness. She also provides an update on the science behind DBT, including what aspects of the treatment are thought to be most effective in addressing self-injury. To learn more about DBT and opportunities for training in DBT as referenced in this episode, visit Behavioral Tech at https://behavioraltech.org/ . Learn more about Dr. Hughes' work at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center here , and follow her on Twitter at @DrJennyHughes . Watch her 2018 TEDx talk on Resilience: Growth Through Struggle at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr44v2__zrU . Below are links to some of her research on DBT among youth: Editorial: Dialectical Behavior Therapy and the Function of Self-Injury (2021) (1) Efficacy of dialectical behavior therapy for adolescents at high risk for suicide: a randomized clinical trial (2018) (2) Predictors and moderators of recurring self-harm in adolescents participating in a comparative treatment trial of psychological interventions (2019) (3) Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Suicidal Self-Harming Youth: Emotion Regulation, Mechanisms, and Mediators (2021). Follow Dr. Westers on Instagram and Twitter (@DocWesters). To join ISSS, visit itriples.org and follow ISSS on Facebook and Twitter (@ITripleS). The Psychology of Self-Injury podcast has been rated #5 by Feedspot in their " Top 15 Clinical Psychology Podcasts You Must Follow in 2021 " and by Welp Magazine in their " 20 Best Injury Podcasts of 2021 ." Previous Next

Stockholm, Sweden 2026 Conferences / 21st Annual Conference | Stockholm, Sweden 25th - 26th June, 2026 In 2026, we will host our 21st Annual International Conference in Stockholm, Sweden. Conference Schedule Information for Presenters Details Register for the conference Additional registration information NOTE: If you are from a low or low-middle income nation , please email ISSS2026@akademikonferens.se for a 20% discount. Welcome to ISSS Conference 2026 in Stockholm, Sweden We are delighted to invite you to the ISSS 2026 Conference, taking place in the vibrant city of Stockholm from 25th - 26th of June, with a preconference on the 24th of June. This international gathering will bring together researchers in the field of NSSI to sharecutting-edge science and foster collaboration. Join us for two days of engaging keynote lectures, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities in one of Europe’s most dynamic and scenic capitals. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular at the conference, ISSS 2026 promises to be a memorable and impactful experience. We look forward to welcoming you to Stockholm! IMPORTANT DATES: 30th of March – Conference program announced 11th of May – Early bird registration ends GENERAL INFORMATION: Venue The conference will be held at Campus GIH (The Swedish school of sport and health sciences) which is centrally situated. The location next to classic sports arenas and a beautiful eco park is ideal, offering both natural and cultural values. How to find GIH The visiting address is Lidingövägen 1, 114 33 Stockholm Location in Google Maps Parking spaces are limited and require a special permit. We therefore recommend using public transportation or parking along Valhallavägen when visiting GIH. Directions with public transport From the central station (T-Centralen), take the metro, red line number 14 towards Mörby Centrum. Get off at the station Stadion. Follow the signs guiding you to “Stadion” and “Idrottshögskolan”. Outside the ticket line, continue ahead and take the exit to your right. When outside the station, follow the road to the traffic lights on Valhallavägen/Lidingövägen. Cross the street, turn right and follow Lidingövägen along the Olympic Stadium. After the clock tower you will see the yellow GIH sign. Proceed up the hill on your right. The main entrance with reception is the building with the statue on the stairs. Travel Before you book your travel, please consider if you can choose a more sustainable transport (e.g., train instead of plane, bus/train/metro instead of taxi, etc.) To Stockholm by train Stockholm Centralstation is the city's main hub of transportation. The station is centrally located and also connects to the T-Centralen metro station. Some regional and national train lines also stop at Stockholm Södra, Stockholm Odenplan, Flemingsberg, or Älvsjö Station. Train tickets can only be bought in Stockholm Centralstation's ticket dispensers or online – there's no staffed ticket office, but there are station hosts should you need any assistance or help. Tour & Tickets in the main hall sells tickets for the VR train though, and you can buy public transport tickets at SL Center located below the ground floor. There are also several restaurants and shops, and lockers for your bags. Stockholm Centralstation is also connected to Cityterminalen bus depot, the main hub for regional or international bus travelers. The Flygbussarna airport coaches also make a stop here. To and from the airport Stockholm-Arlanda Airport is located 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Stockholm City. The Arlanda Express train provides a shuttle service between Stockholm Arlanda Airport and Stockholm Central Station. The platform is easily accessible underneath the arrival terminals. The trains depart every 10 minutes in rush hour traffic and every 15 minutes at other times. Travel time: 18 minutes. All trains offer free wifi. Buy tickets here . Flygbussarna Airport Coaches depart every 15–30 minutes between Arlanda Airport and the City Terminal (located next to the Central Station). Travel time from Arlanda: 35–45 minutes. Buses also run to Liljeholmen via Karolinska, Fridhemsplan, and Södermalm (50 min) and to Brommaplan via Kista and Sundbyberg. (54 min). All buses offer free wifi. Public transportation By metro, tram, bus, ferry, or commuter train. Stockholm's local transportation network takes you (almost) anywhere! You can plan your journey and read more about the various subway lines, buses, and trams on SL's webpage . Thorildsplan subway station Passport and Visas Delegates are advised to contact the nearest embassy, consulate or travel agency for information about the passport and visa requirements from their country for entry to Sweden. Accommodation There are many hotels in central Stockholm to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly options to more comfortable stays. Here is a selection located within convenient distance from the conference venue: Home Hotel Tapto *special price for conference guests* Scandic Park Elite Eden Park Hotel Mornington Hotel Stockholm City Hotel Kung Karl Scandic Anglais Story Hotel Ett Hem Interior of Home Hotel Tapto Exterior of Ett Hem What to do in Stockholm If you are joining us in Stockholm for the conference, you are arriving at one of the most beautiful times of the year. Late June brings long, luminous evenings — daylight often stretches well past 9 pm, giving you the chance to enjoy the city even after the day’s sessions are over. Stockholm’s unique setting on the water means you are never far from nature. A short boat ride takes you into the archipelago, with its thousands of islands, perfect for an afternoon excursion or a leisurely evening cruise, very close to the city you’ll find Fjäderholmarna . Within the city, you can explore the historic charm of Gamla Stan, stroll the green parks and museums (e.g., the Vasa Museum ) of Djurgården, or enjoy the vibrant cafés and viewpoints of Södermalm. The city is alive with cultural events, exhibitions, and festivals during this season, making it an ideal time to combine professional exchange with leisure and discovery. For inspiration and practical tips on what to see and do, we recommend exploring Visit Stockholm : visitstockholm.com . Cruise to Fjäderholmarna Island Stortorget in Gamla Stan (Old Town) Climate and clothing It is summer in Stockholm and the temperatures can vary from 15-25 °C/59-77°F. The organisers suggest that you bring a jacket and an umbrella or raincoat. Weather information and forecasts: smhi.se (Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute) – Weather forecasts in Swedish only yr.no (Norwegian Radio cooperation with Norwegian Meteorological Institute) – Weather forecasts available in English. Local Currency The Swedish monetary unit is the Swedish krona (SEK), divided into 100 öre. Approximately: Euro 1 = SEK 11.16, USD 1 = SEK 9.58 and GBP 1 = SEK 12.90. Major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. There are several currency exchange offices and cash dispensers at Stockholm Arlanda International Airport and in Stockholm. Please note: There are many cashless shops in Sweden and we recommend you to bring a credit card that is open for transactions made abroad. Exchange rates may vary. To see current exchange rates, please ask your bank, or visit a web based currency converter, for example oanda.com , x-rates.com , or your choice of bank or converter service. ADDITIONAL CONFERENCE-RELATED INFORMATION: About the pre-conference workshop: Hughes Pre Workshop Outline .pdf Download PDF • 138KB About our invited speakers: ISSS 2026 Invited Speakers .pdf Download PDF • 178KB We look forward to seeing you in Stockholm!

2023 - 2024 Home / Collaborative Research Program / FIS Validation Validation of a novel Future Imagery Scale and exploration in a sample of YP with and without NSSI Mentor/s: Martina Di Simplicio 2024 - 2025 Project Overview Affiliation: Imperial College London, United Kingdom Project description: Anticipatory mental imagery of self-injury often precedes engaging in NSSI. Growing evidence suggests it also plays a role in driving urges and facilitating self-injury (Lawrence et al. 2023). However, it remains unknown whether individual differences in the general use of future mental imagery, both of positive and negative valence, might be relevant to NSSI, for example in the form of less frequent or less vivid imagery of future goals and rewards. We developed a novel self-report scale seeking to assess the characteristics of future mental imagery use, the Future Imagery Scale (FIS). Approximately 250 students / young people from the general population completed the scale, as well as 50 YP with NSSI, 50 YP with disordered eating and 50 YP with negative affect but no history of NSSI/other dysregulated behaviours. These were participants from two different studies who also completed various measures of affect, impulsivity and emotion regulation. The aim of the project is to a) assess the psychometric properties of the current scale, 2) explore it's association with NSSI and other mental health measures, and 3) review and develop a final measure of the FIS Applicants should have the following skills: Some data processing skills and statistical skills (e.g. factor analysis, ANOVA); good collaborator. Junior researcher responsibilities: They will process data, conduct analysis under supervision or independently as appropriate and contribute to write-up of results. Anticipated outcome(s) for junior researcher: Exposure to numerous experimental studies in the broad field of NSSI, mental imagery and cognitive mechanism, with opportunities to also support these. Depending on level of writing skills, first or middle authorship on paper. Time commitment: Flexibile weekly hours for 2-8 months Application Deadline: June 1, 2024 Apply Now

2023 - 2024 Home / Collaborative Research Program / Real-Time Monitoring of NSSI Using real-time monitoring to study social interactions and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) cognitions and behaviors among individuals seeking care Mentor/s: Glenn Kiekens and Laurence Claes 2024 - 2025 Project Overview Affiliations: Tilburg University & Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Netherlands & Belgium Project description: Recent advances in real-time monitoring technologies (i.e., multiple measurements a day via smartphones) have revolutionized our ability to study NSSI cognitions and behaviors, and its potential psychosocial risk factors, in the natural environment. This CRP project will use real-time monitoring data from the Detection of Acute Risk of Self-Injury (DAILY) project (Kiekens et al., 2023), a 28-day ecological momentary assessment study with six daily assessments among 125 individuals aged 15-39 years receiving inpatient and/or outpatient mental health services. Using an ideation-to-action framework, we will study the relationship between social interactions (e.g., being alone versus with others) and appraisals thereof and its contemporeanous and temporal relationship with both NSSI cognitions (thoughts, urges, and self-efficacy to resist NSSI) and NSSI behavior. We will evaluate whether increased risk for NSSI behavior operates via feelings of loneliness in a within-person mediation model. The introduction, methods, and analysis plan will be postregistred on the Open-Science Framework. Protocol paper of the DAILY project: Kiekens, G., Claes, L., Schoefs, S., Kemme, N. D. F., Luyckx, K., Kleiman, E. M., Nock, M. K., & Myin-Germeys, I. (2023). The Detection of Acute Risk of Self-injury Project: Protocol for an Ecological Momentary Assessment Study Among Individuals Seeking Treatment. JMIR Res Protoc, 12, e46244. https://doi.org/10.2196/46244 Applicants should have the following skills: The project will include an exhaustive review of relevant literature and empirical research and is open to researchers who are interested in clinical research and who have already some experience with more complex modeling approaches (e.g., Dynamic Structural Equation Modelling in Mplus). Junior researcher responsibilities: The researcher will be responsible for writing first drafts of the preregistration and the manuscript. Analyses will be conducted with the support of Dr. Kiekens. Anticipated outcome(s) for junior researcher: We will aim to work towards a conference presentation and publication. Time commitment: Approximately 1 day per week for an academic year Application Deadline: June 1, 2024 Apply Now

Contact Us Home / About / Contact Us Get in touch Please note that this contact form is for general inquiries only. While we offer information and resources about self-injury, ISSS is unable to provide crisis support, clinical services, or treatment. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or needs urgent help, please contact local emergency mental health services in your area. You can find a list of suggested services at https://www.helpguide.org/find-help First Name Last Name Email What is your message about? * Required Membership Conference Advocacy Research Clinical Publication Other Message Subscribe to the newsletter Send Sent! We'll be in touch soon :)