Executive functions, behavioral activation/behavioral inhibition system, and emotion regulation in adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and normal counterparts

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is one of the serious public concerns. There are several hypotheses and reasons for NSSI. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences between two groups of adolescents with NSSI and normal counterparts in executive functions, behavioral activation and behavioral inhibition system (BAS/BIS) and emotion regulation. In this cross-sectional causal-comparative study, 50 adolescents (girls and boys) having NSSI and 50 normal adolescents were compared. They performed Bart balloon computer tasks (to measure high-risk decision-making), Wisconsin cards (to measure cognitive flexibility), as well as Carver and White Behavioral Activation/Behavior Inhibition scale and filled Gratz and Roomer’s emotion dysregulation scale. Participants who reported NSSI, had higher scores on risky decision making, behavioral inhibition, emotion dysregulation, and lower scores on cognitive flexibility than participants without a history of NSSI. The results support that there is a significant difference between two groups of adolescents with NSSI and normal counterparts in executive functions, emotion regulation and BAS/BIS. The data can also be used to educate, prevent and treat adolescents with NSSI and to promote public health policies