The aim of the present study was to investigate the link between ruminative processes and dysregulated behaviors. Accordingly, the emotional cascade model (Selby et al., 2008 / 2009) was tested in a sample of Turkish university students using structural equation modeling. The emotional cascade model posits that the link between emotional and behavioral dysregulation may be through emotional cascades, which are repetitive cycles of rumination and negative affect that result in an increased attention paid to the emotional stimuli and intensification of emotional distress. Dysregulated behaviors, such as non-suicidal self-injury, are used in order to break this cycle and distract the person from ruminative processes. In the first part of the study, a common measure of cognitive emotion regulation, namely The Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ / Garnefski et al., 2001) was adapted into Turkish and its psychometric properties were investigated. Results suggested that the Turkish version of the CERQ is a reliable and valid meausure of cognitive coping. Next, a structural equation model was tested to assess the relationship between emotional cascades (as indicated by rumination, thought suppression, catastrophizing) and behavioral dysregulation (as indicated by binge eating, non-suicidal self-injury, excessive reassurance-seeking, and drinking to cope). The results showed that the emotional cascades are associated to behavioral dysregulation. This relationship, however, did not remain significant when the effect of current psychological distress on behavioral dysregulation was controlled for. The importance and possible implications of the present study was discussed.

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), the deliberate and direct damage of one’s body tissue without suicidal intent, is a pervasive public health concern often leading to clinically significant long-term consequences (e.g., permanent scarring, hospitalization) that is theorized to be facilitated by negative affect and emotion dysregulation. The Emotional Cascade Model proposes that NSSI partially functions to disrupt the reciprocal and rapid amplification of negative affect driven by rumination. However, limited research has focused on state rumination and the distinct contribution of maladaptive and adaptive rumination subtypes, as well as the role of positive affect within this framework. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to replicate and explore the independent influences of overall and momentary (1) positive and negative affect and (2) rumination on NSSI acts and urges, as well as (3) the extent to which rumination moderates the relationship between affect and NSSI. To do so, rumination, affect, and NSSI urges and acts were assessed 4 times daily via ecological momentary assessment for 21-days among thirty undergraduate participants with past month NSSI. Our results partially replicated existing literature, such that overall negative affect was associated with greater overall NSSI urge strength and momentary negative affect and rumination predicted stronger NSSI urges at the next alert, with increased momentary rumination strengthening the relationship between momentary negative affect and NSSI urge. Exploratory investigations of overall and momentary positive affect showed some negative associations with NSSI urges and behaviors, with no moderating effect of rumination. Data did not support the independent examination of maladaptive and adaptive rumination subtypes. Taken together, this study highlighted the importance of exploring state rumination (in addition to trait) and affect in understanding NSSI thoughts and behaviors, and calls for future studies to further investigate distinct properties of rumination to understand its impact on specific emotions that maintain NSSI engagement. / Psychology

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is an impairing mental illness and has a core component of emotional dysregulation. Evidence suggests the emotional cascade model describes how this emotional dysregulation leads to engaging in risky and life-threatening behaviors, such as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Specifically, this model describes rumination as a cognitive component that links the emotional and behavioral dysregulation. The current study aimed to expand the model by investigating how individuals with heightened BPD traits engage in NSSI and in cognitive strategies to cope with their negative affect. Specifically, it was investigated whether behaviors like suicide attempts and cognitions differentiated between those with mild/moderate and severe NSSI. Criterion for severe NSSI was hospitalization or medical care because of NSSI. Participants (N = 292) were screened to endorse a history of NSSI and then self-selected to take a self-report survey through Mturk. Correlations and a binomial logistic regression were completed. Results indicated suicide attempts, BPD symptoms, and anger rumination differentiated mild/moderate and severe NSSI. Evidence reinforces the strong relationships between NSSI, suicide attempts, and BPD. Additionally, it reinforces anger rumination as a potential cognitive mechanism in NSSI. Future research can continue to test this model and include other potential thought processes to increase efficiency in assessment and treatment of BPD and NSSI.