Abstract
Only limited information on nonsuicidal deliberate self‐harm behavior among nonclinical populations is available, and it is unclear whether coping and emotional difficulties remain among those with a past history of self‐harm behavior. The purpose of this study is to examine emotions and coping strategies among three nonclinical groups with a recent, past, and no history of nonsuicidal deliberate self‐harm behavior. College students completed self‐report measures of self‐harm behavior, suicidal thoughts, emotional dispositions, and coping strategies. Contrary to expectations, there were few differences in coping strategies among the three groups ( p > .0033). Those with a recent history (n = 23; in the last 12 months) and past history (n = 32; more than 12 months ago) of self‐harm behavior reported greater levels of negative emotion (e.g., hostility, guilt, sadness) than those who have never self‐harmed (n = 161; p < .0045). This indicates that although self‐harm behavior had discontinued (>12 months ago), negative emotion differences were present, and both recent and past self‐harmers merit concern in managing their negative emotions to lower their risk for future difficulties. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 63: 791–803, 2007.