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Epidemiology and Sociocultural Aspects of Non-suicidal Self-Injury and Eating Disorders

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Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Eating Disorders

Abstract

Eating disorders (ED), including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) are significant public health problems among adolescents and young adults. This chapter reviews the overlap between these behaviors, focusing on epidemiological and sociocultural characteristics that may be related to the high degree of comorbidity within patients. Eating disorders and NSSI fall along the continuum of self-harm, and up to 72 % of people with an ED also engaging in NSSI and up to 54 % of people who engage in NSSI report comorbid eating pathology. The likelihood of engaging in NSSI is greater among patients with purging-type EDs than those with non-purging-type EDs, suggesting an etiological link between purging and NSSI. Those engaging in ED and NSSI are at an increased risk for suicidal behaviors and are likely to have certain comorbidities including Borderline Personality Disorder, depressive symptoms, and substance use. Further, people with comorbid ED and NSSI are at an increased risk for experiencing traumatic events and having negative attitudes toward their bodies. Clinical implications for assessment and treatment of individuals with ED and NSSI are discussed throughout the chapter.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Iona College, New Rochelle, NY, USA

    Colleen M. Jacobson & Cynthia C. Luik

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  1. Colleen M. Jacobson
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  2. Cynthia C. Luik
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Correspondence to Colleen M. Jacobson .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

    Laurence Claes

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, USA

    Jennifer J. Muehlenkamp

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Jacobson, C.M., Luik, C.C. (2014). Epidemiology and Sociocultural Aspects of Non-suicidal Self-Injury and Eating Disorders. In: Claes, L., Muehlenkamp, J. (eds) Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Eating Disorders. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-40107-7_2

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