Abstract / Summary
Abstract Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine condition associated with physical (e.g., ache, hair loss) and mental (e.g., depression, anxiety, suicidal-ideation) health complications, which, combined with atypical emotional regulation can result in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal intent. This cross-sectional investigation assessed whether NSSI type, onset age, duration, and severity differed between women who did ( n = 113; WPCOS) and did not ( n = 305; WoPCOS) self-report PCOS, and whether distinct typologies of NSSI were present. Participants completed demographic questions and a measure of NSSI. Comparative analyses indicated that WPCOS women reported a greater propensity to cut and scratch, but not other NSSIs. In women who engaged in NSSI, self-reported PCOS neither impacted onset age, duration, or severity of NSSI. Cluster analysis indicated three typologies of NSSI engagement: ‘ Scar-deriving ’, ‘ Nil-to-low engagers ’, and ‘ Intensive engagers ’. Implications for healthcare providers working with women with PCOS are discussed; there is a need for the provision of NSSI- and emotion regulation-related education on an international scale.