Longitudinal relations of self‐criticism with disordered eating behaviors and nonsuicidal self‐injury

Objective Self‐criticism has been proposed as a transdiagnostic predictor of disordered eating and nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI). First, this study explored cross‐sectional associations of multiple disordered eating behaviors, NSSI, and self‐criticism. Second, it tested longitudinal relations of self‐criticism with disordered eating and NSSI, adjusting for baseline levels of both behaviors. Methods In Sub ‐ study 1, undergraduates ( N = 251, 79.5% female, M age = 19.1 years) completed self‐report measures of disordered eating, NSSI, and self‐criticism at baseline and after 8 weeks. In Sub‐study 2, community‐based young adults with histories of disordered eating, NSSI, or both ( N = 517, 88.8% female, M age = 24.7 years) completed measures of disordered eating, NSSI, and self‐criticism at baseline and after 4 weeks. All measures were completed online. Results In Sub‐study 1, both disordered eating and NSSI showed significant cross‐sectional associations with self‐criticism, and self‐criticism was significantly related to binge eating, fasting, and NSSI at follow‐up. In Sub‐study 2, both behaviors again showed significant cross‐sectional associations with self‐criticism. Self‐criticism showed significant longitudinal relations with fasting, purging, and excessive exercise. Longitudinal relations of self‐criticism with NSSI varied across disordered eating behaviors. Discussion NSSI showed cross‐sectional associations with a range of disordered eating behaviors. Self‐criticism reflects a common correlate of both disordered eating and NSSI. Evidence supported transdiagnostic longitudinal impact of self‐criticism across multiple forms of disordered eating but provided more limited support for impacts on NSSI.