A psychometric analysis of the Ottawa self-injury inventory-f.

OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory-Functions (OSI-F) for assessing nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), a condition for further study in the DSM-5.

PARTICIPANTS: Participants included 345 students who indicated a history of self-injury in a university counseling center over six semesters from August 2009 to May 2012.

METHOD: Participants completed the OSI-F as a measure on the psychological intake for the university counseling center.

RESULTS: Factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha coefficients, independent sample t tests, and correlations were examined and demonstrated adequate reliability and validity.

CONCLUSIONS: A three-factor solution emerged from the restructured OSI-F relating to Affect Regulation, Exhilaration, and Release. Affect regulation dimensions were predictive of continuing to self-injure and related to depression, anxiety, and overall mental health. Additionally, women were more likely to attribute self-injuring to affect regulation.