The smallest things make me emotional! Emotion reactivity in non-suicidal self-injury: trait, state, and physiological differences.

Objective: The current study sought to clarify the role of emotion reactivity in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) by examining three forms of emotion reactivity (physiological and self-reported trait and state reactivity) among a sample of young adults with or without a history of NSSI. Materials and methods: Seventy-six adults (M age = 20.97, 73.7% female) participated in a semi-structured clinical interview to determine NSSI history and completed a measure of trait emotion reactivity. Participants then provided state emotion reactivity ratings before and after a social rejection task, recovery period, and positive mood induction while physiological data was continuously recorded. Results: Although individuals with a history of NSSI perceived themselves to be more emotionally reactive, these participants were not more physiologically reactive, nor were their state reactivity ratings significantly different from individuals without a history of NSSI. Discussion: Results suggest increased emotionality in response to a stressor is within normal bounds and not unique to individuals with a history of NSSI, and provide implications for future research on the etiology and treatment of NSSI.

Effects of a bout of exercise on mood in people with depression with and without physical pain.

Physical and mental health symptoms can reduce participation in physical activity. The current study assessed the impact of a bout of exercise on mood state in depressed participants with and without current physical pain. We enrolled a community sample of 147 participants (Mage = 45.5; SD = 11.98; 87.1% female) with elevated depressive symptoms. Individuals rated their mood state, completed a 1-mile walk test on a treadmill, and rated their mood state again. Pairwise comparisons between pre- and post-exercise mood ratings were statistically significant (p < .001) and showed improved mood state. People with at least moderate pain showed greater decreases in sadness and irritability from pre- to post- exercise bout. A single bout of exercise was associated with decreased sadness, anxiety, and irritability, and increased energy in a sample of adults with depression. The changes in sadness and irritability were greatest in those who reported at least moderate physical pain.