Momentary Associations Between Positive Coping and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Risk Among Individuals With Problematic Alcohol Use

<b></b> <i>Background:</i> The use of positive coping skills has demonstrated protective effects with regard to Nonsuicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) engagement; however, cross-sectional evidence suggests that the presence of comorbid conditions, such as alcohol use disorders, may negate these benefits. <i>Aims:</i> The current study leverages ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to examine the between-person and within-person relationships between positive coping strategies and NSSI risk among individuals with problematic alcohol use. <i>Method:</i> Undergraduate students (<i>n</i> = 56) completed a 21-day EMA protocol, in which they completed four surveys per day asking about their use of several positive coping strategies and NSSI risk. <i>Results:</i> Socializing was the only coping strategy to demonstrate a protective effect on NSSI risk. Alternatively, the coping strategies of finding perspective, positive thinking, and sitting with feelings until they pass all increased risk for NSSI. <i>Limitations:</i> The current study was underpowered to disentangle relationships with urges to engage in NSSI and NSSI behaviors. <i>Conclusion:</i> The results suggest that using coping skills that may present physical barriers to engaging in NSSI may be effective for reducing momentary NSSI risk.