Nonsuicidal self-injury in connection with the axes Structure and Relationship of the OPD-KJ-2 (Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnostics in Childhood and Adolescence)

Nonsuicidal self-injury in connection with the axes Structure and Relationship of the OPD-KJ-2 (Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnostics in Childhood and Adolescence) Abstract. This study investigates nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSV) in relation to psychological structure as well as inter- and intrapersonal relationships. The Structure and Relationship axes of the OPD-CA-2 (Operationalized Psychodynamic Diagnosis in Childhood and Adolescence) were used to record relationship dynamics and structural aspects; the MOUSI was applied for nonsuicidal self-injury. The sample included 40 adolescent psychiatric patients, most of whom were in inpatient care. A total of 20 adolescents with and 20 without NSSV were compared with regard to the Structure and Relationship axes. The two samples showed no differences on the Structure axis, whereas differences were found on the Relationship axis. Adolescents with NSSV, for example, were more likely to gently influence others and to react in interactive settings more openly toward their counterpart than adolescents without NSSV. In their relationship to themselves, the adolescents with NSSV were more often assessed as tormented and reproachful. Results indicate that the Relationship axis of the OPD-CA-2 can provide helpful information, so that this should be considered in psychotherapeutic measures for NSSV patients.