Implicit Assessment of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: Group Differences in Temporal Stability of the Self-Injury Implicit Association Test (SI-IAT)

Abstract

Objective

We examine differences on the Self-Injury Implicit Association Test (SI-IAT) by history of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), in a test-retest design, to examine short-term temporal stability of SI-IAT scores.

Method

Treatment-seeking participants (N = 113; 58% female; 89% White; M_age = 30.57) completed the SI-IAT and self-report measures at two time points (M_Timeframe = 3.8 days).

Results

Data suggested NSSI (51% of the sample endorsed lifetime NSSI) was related to Time 1 (T1) identity and attitude, and affected stability of scores. T1 and T2 SI-IAT identity and attitude were more strongly related for participants with NSSI history. NSSI characteristics (recency; number of methods) affected stability.

Conclusions

The short-term test-retest reliability of the SI-IAT is strong among those with NSSI history from T1 to T2. However, the SI-IATs use with participants without a history of NSSI was not supported beyond its established ability to differentiate between groups by NSSI history. This test may provide clinically-relevant assessment among those with a history of NSSI.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Participants with vs. without NSSI history respond differently on the SI-IAT

• Temporal stability of SI-IAT performance is strong in a short timeframe

• Results supported the test-retest reliability of the SI-IAT in the target group

Keywords:

• Implicit attitudes
• implicit identity
• non-suicidal self-injury
• SI-IAT
• test-retest

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, [S.J.S.], upon reasonable request.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health under [grant F31 MH104011A].

Notes on contributors

Stephanie Jarvi Steele

Stephanie Jarvi Steele, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, USA.

Thröstur Björgvinsson

Thröstur Björgvinsson, Ph.D., ABPP, McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA.

Lance P. Swenson

Lance P. Swenson, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, Suffolk University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.