Predictive role of negative emotions in exploring psychiatric illnesses among patients with self-harm

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the predictive role of negative emotions in psychiatric disorders among self-harm patients.

Method: The cross-sectional study was conducted at the Foundation University, Rawalpindi Campus, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from July 2020 to January 2022, and comprised self-harm patients. Data on negative emotions and psychiatric illnesses was collected using standardised scales and questionnaires. Data was analysed using SPSS 23.

Results: There were 220 patients (males=96, females=124) with mean age 26.44+/-5.95 years (range: 18-35 years). Depression, narcissistic personality disorder, borderline personality disorder, histrionic personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder were significant predictors of negative emotions among self-harm patients (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Emotions could play a substantial role in worsening psychiatric illnesses among self-harm patients.

Key Words: Negative emotions, Psychiatric illnesses, Self-harm.