Yavuz MERAL, Yasin ÇALIŞKAN, Beyza Gül TOPRAK
Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences - 2026;16(3):130-140
Objective: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is highly prevalent among adolescents, with emotion regulation difficulties recognized as a central feature of this behavior. However, the contribution of sensory processing characteristics-particularly when considered alongside the temporal dimensions of anxiety-remains insufficiently understood. This study aimed to explore the associations between sensory profiles, anxiety, and emotion regulation in adolescents engaging in NSSI. Methods: The sample comprised 50 adolescents aged 11-17 years (M = 14.70, SD = 1.52), all of whom completed the Adolescent Sensory Profile (ASP), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: Findings indicated that participants exhibited elevated scores in the sensory sensitivity, low registration, and sensory avoidance quadrants of the ASP. Importantly, regression analysis showed that both low registration (beta = 0.94, p < .001) and trait anxiety (beta = 0.57, p = .038) showed significant positive associations with emotion regulation difficulties. Conclusion: These findings underscore the unique difficulties in the sensory profile and suggest the critical role of bottom-up sensory processing patterns in underlying emotion regulation difficulties in adolescents with NSSI. Addressing sensory issues in therapeutic settings may improve emotional dysregulation and reduce self-injurious behaviors in adolescents with NSSI.
