Non-suicidal self-injury, or self-harm, is most common in people who have unstable emotions, are impulsive, and who feel self-hatred. These characteristics are part of a diagnosis of BPD, however they are also found in individuals without BPD.

People who have an eating disorder often show these characteristics, and many engage in self-harm.

Studies have found that for eating disorders, self-harm is also associated with wanting to avoid negative emotions, and difficulty identifying physical sensations. Studies looking at these issues in adults have so far focused on clinical populations, or individuals with a mental health diagnosis. There is also little research that compares the factors associated with self-harm in BPD with the factors associated with self-harm in eating disorders.

This study will recruit adults aged 18 to 60 from the general population and from websites that support people with BPD and with eating disorders. This will recruit participants with a range of symptom severity relating to BPD and relating to eating disorders, from those who only show one or two symptoms, to those with a full diagnosis. Participants will be asked to complete a 30 minute survey online that will collect information regarding disordered eating habits, characteristics common to BPD, and self-harm behaviour.”

To participate: https://cairnmillar.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bf4gupYYC4hc4FT