Abstract

This study investigates the sequential double mediating effect of emotional dysregulation and negative urgency on the relationship between borderline personality traits and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). A total of 284 adults over the age of 19 living in Korea completed assessments of borderline personality traits, emotional dysregulation, negative urgency, and NSSI. The findings are as follows: First, a significant positive correlation was found among borderline personality traits, emotional dysregulation, negative urgency, and NSSI. Second, emotion dysregulation did not significantly mediate the relationship between borderline personality traits and NSSI. Third, negative urgency did show a significant mediating effect in this relationship. Fourth, the study identified a significant double mediating path leading to NSSI, where emotional dysregulation and negative urgency sequentially mediated the relationship between borderline personality traits and NSSI. These results indicate that the transition to NSSI in individuals with borderline personality traits is influenced not only by emotional dysregulation but also by impulsive behaviors triggered by negative emotional states. This underscores the importance of incorporating negative urgency into the existing model of emotional dysregulation. In terms of clinical intervention, the findings suggest that emotion regulation strategies should be combined with approaches that enhance awareness and tolerance of negative emotions. This study aims to deepen the understanding of NSSI and inform specific interventions for non-clinical adult clients with borderline personality traits. Lastly, the study addresses the need for stepwise skills training to manage self-injury impulses and acknowledges the limitations of the research.