Alexithymia and Personality Disorders in the Adolescent Non-suicidal Self Injury: Preliminary Results

The aim of the present study was to describe the characteristics of repetitive self-injurious behaviour and related personality functioning as well as to explore the relationship between NSSI and alexithymia in a sample of NSSI adolescents (mean age= 16.1 yrs) within therapeutic communities. The results showed a representation of Cluster B personality features and personality disorders (e.g., borderline, narcissistic, antisocial). A significant association between NSSI behaviours and alexithymia was found. Additionally, the data supported the use of SWAP-200-A as an instrument for assessing personality functioning and personality pathology in adolescents who self-injure. Future research will be necessary to confirm these results.