Background Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), which involves self-damaging behavior (eg,
cutting) causes tissue damage and places people at elevated risk for future suicidal
behaviors. Yet few specific treatments for NSSI currently exist. Extreme self-criticism is
implicated in the development and maintenance of NSSI. We conducted a randomized
controlled trial to evaluate Autobiographical Self-Enhancement Training (ASET), a novel,
cognitive intervention for NSSI focused on reducing self-criticism and enhancing positive self …

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) involves intentional and self-directed harm (eg, self-cutting,
burning) that is enacted without suicidal intent (Nock 2010). Although it tends to be painful,
dangerous, and stigmatized, NSSI is quite common in the general population, with lifetime
prevalence rates of approximately 17 percent in adolescents and 5 percent in adults
(Swannell et al. 2014). NSSI is associated with both physical and social-emotional harm in
the short and long-term. A major concern is the strong link between NSSI and suicidal …