Interpersonal Criticism, Self-Criticism, And NSSI: A Cross-Cultural Study In Collectivistic And Individualistic Cultures

Abstract

Nonsuicidal self-injury is commonly reported as a regulation strategy for those who experience aversive emotions. Previous studies have revealed associations between NSSI and intrapersonal factors, such as self-criticism and emotional aversiveness; however, the interpersonal influences and cultural impacts have not been clarified. This cross-cultural study includes samples of individuals with a history of NSSI from American and Thai cultural backgrounds, representing samples of individualistic (the United States) and collectivistic cultures (Thailand). The findings indicate a stronger association between interpersonal influences (parental expressed emotion and peer support) and interpersonal sensitivity in the Thai sample, which is also correlated to depression severity at a higher degree than in the American sample. Peer support potentially acts as a buffer against intrapersonal criticism and depression severity in both samples, with a stronger negative association with self-criticism in the Thai sample and a more considerable impact on depression severity in the American sample. The findings suggest the importance of interpersonal impact in both cultures and clarify associations that differ by cultural context.