Association between heart rate variability and emotion dysregulation in adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury

Introduction: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a strong predictor of increased future suicidal ideation and risk. The highest prevalence of NSSI is in adolescents. NSSI is performed as a maladaptive response to emotion regulation distress when facing an intense negative emotional load. One of the physiological markers of Emotion Dysregulation (ED) can be measured quantitatively through changes in Heart Rate Variability (HRV). Objective: The purpose of this review is to provide an overview about studies on HRV and ED in adolescents with NSSI to shed light on potential associations and to identify prospective approaches for future studies. Method: Literature was searched through Pubmed using Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Emotion Dysregulation (ED), and Non Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) as the keywords. Inclusion criteria were full-text journal articles in English or Indonesian within the last 10 years. Results: Studies show that ED in certain mental disorders has been associated with HRV changes through the autonomic nervous system imbalance pathway. For individuals with ED, NSSI may serve certain perceived benefits, reinforcing its repetition whenever adverse events are encountered. Conclusions: ED in adolescents with NSSI can be observed through HRV reduction. This approach may help improve adolescent mental health by reducing NSSI and preventing suicidal tendencies. © 2025 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.