Massey Research Online - Browsing by Author "Robinson K"

Browsing by Author "Robinson K"

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Advancing a temporal framework for understanding the biology of nonsuicidal self- injury: An expert review.
(Elsevier B.V., 2021-11) Kaess M; Hooley JM; Klimes-Dougan B; Koenig J; Plener PL; Reichl C; Robinson K; Schmahl C; Sicorello M; Westlund Schreiner M; Cullen KR
Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a serious clinical problem, particularly for adolescents and young adults. NSSI is a complex behavior that emerges through the intersecting effects of social, psychological, and biological mechanisms. Although the social and psychological contributions to risk for developing NSSI are relatively well understood and have guided the development of effective psychosocial treatments for self-injury, the biological mechanisms underlying NSSI have just begun to come to light. To evaluate and categorize the biological research conducted on the topic of NSSI, we propose a model that distinguishes between trait and state markers. According to this model, risk factors and mechanisms involved in NSSI can be distinguished into both trait and state factors. We review the existing evidence on distal biological traits (predictors) of NSSI, proximal biological traits (correlates) of NSSI, and biological states directly preceding or following NSSI. We conclude by providing recommendations for future research on the neurobiology of NSSI.
Communicating distress: suicide threats/gestures among clinical and community youth.
(Springer Nature, 2023-08-01) Robinson K; Scharinger C; Brown RC; Plener PL
Although self-injurious thoughts and behaviors are a global health concern, little is known about suicidal threat/gesture(s) where a person leads others to believe they want to end their lives when they have no intention to do so. This study assessed the lifetime prevalence of self-injurious thoughts and behaviors among both community adolescents (n = 1117) and in clinical youth (n = 191). Suicide threats/gestures were common among youth; 12.2% of community adolescents and 18.0% of clinical youth reporting having made a suicide threat/gesture, most commonly in the context of other self-injurious thoughts and behaviors. Across both samples, suicide threats/gestures were not uniquely associated with suicide attempts, and youth who reported suicide threats/gestures in the context of a history of self-harm or suicide plan(s) were no more likely to report a history of suicide attempt(s). Suicide threats/gestures were distinguished from suicide attempts in that they primarily fulfilled positive social functions, rather than autonomic functions. Findings suggest that suicidal threats/gestures are common in both community and clinical youth, and are not uniquely associated with suicide attempts, but rather function to communicate distress to others.
Comorbidity and temporal associations between mental disorders among college students in the world mental health international college student initiative
(Elsevier B V, 2025-09-01) Roest AM; de Vries YA; Pozuelo JR; Petukhova MV; Lee S; Sampson NA; Albor Y; Alhadi AN; Alonso J; Al-Saud N; Altwaijri Y; Andersson C; Atwoli L; Auerbach RP; Muaka CA; Báez-Mansur PM; Ballester L; Bantjes J; Baumeister H; Bendtsen M; Benjet C; Berman AH; Bruffaerts R; Carrasco P; Chan SCN; Cohut I; Couder MAC; Crockett MA; Cuijpers P; David OA; Dong D; Ebert DD; Gaete J; Forero CG; Gili M; Gutiérrez-García R; Haro JM; Hasking P; Hunt X; Husky MM; Jaguga F; Langer ÁI; Léniz I; Liu Y; Mac-Ginty S; Martínez V; McLafferty M; Miranda A; Monroy-Velasco IR; Murray EK; Musyoka CM; Nedelcea C; Núñez D; O'Neill SM; Piqueras JA; Popescu CA; Prescivalli AP; Rapsey C; Robinson K; Rodriguez-Jimenez T; Saal W; Siu O-L; Stein DJ; Struijs SY; Tomoiaga CT; Valdés-García KP; Vargas-Contreras E; Vigo DV; Wang AY; Wong SYS; Kessler RC; World Mental Health International College Student collaborators
Background: Mental disorders are highly prevalent among students worldwide. This study aims to examine comorbidity and temporal associations between mental disorders among students. Methods: The study included 72,288 students from 18 countries as part of the World Mental Health International College Student (WMH-ICS) Initiative, with cross-sectional data collected between 2017 and 2023. Screening for common DSM-5 disorders was conducted using validated screening measures. Latent variables were examined using exploratory principal axis factor analysis on a correlation matrix among the lifetime mental disorders. Based on age-of-onset information, multivariable poisson regression models were used to examine associations of prior disorders with the first onset of other disorders. Results: 27.0 % of students screened positive for only one lifetime disorder, 17.1 % for two, 10.9 % for three, and 10.6 % for 4+ disorders. In the factor analysis, three latent variables were found, comprising: internalizing disorders (generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive episode, post-traumatic stress disorder, and panic disorder), substance use disorders (drug use disorder and alcohol use disorder), and externalizing disorders (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and mania/hypomania). Prior internalizing and externalizing disorders were associated with the subsequent first onset of all other disorders with risk ratios ranging from 1.5–7.5. Substance use disorders were less consistently associated with the subsequent first onset of other disorders, but alcohol use disorder was associated with the first onset of drug use disorder and vice versa. Conclusions: Mental disorder comorbidity is common among students, and students with disorders across the internalizing and externalizing spectrum have an increased risk of future mental disorder comorbidities.
Dataset describing Aotearoa New Zealand young adults’ psychological well-being and behaviour during nationwide lockdown
(Elsevier B.V., 2022-02-01) Broodryk T; Robinson K
This dataset provides a comprehensive snapshot of 277 New Zealand young adult's (M age = 18.93, SD = 3.28) real-time behaviours and experiences during a seven-week nationwide lockdown. Participants were recruited through a university student participant pool and data were collected online during 20–27th April 2020 (Alert Level 4) and 6–13th May 2020 (Alert Level 3), constituting the 26th–33rd and 42nd–49th day (respectively) of a nationwide lockdown to manage the first wave of COVID-19 in Aotearoa New Zealand. Data have been used previously [1]. Data includes participants’ self-reported compliance with legally mandated COVID-19 lockdown policies, as well as participants’ self-reported knowledge of lockdown policies, lockdown characteristics, trust in government and information sources, COVID-19 specific worries, recent anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms, cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression use, and Big Five personality traits. The dataset is freely accessible (CC-BY-4.0 license) at https://osf.io/pa4n3/. This database can provide insight into the psychological experience of strict COVID-19 lockdown, support policy makers to evaluate the efficiency COVID-19 public health messaging, and inform future policy to support public health and wellbeing during widespread lockdown and quarantine.
Development and evaluation of a predictive algorithm and telehealth intervention to reduce suicidal behavior among university students.
(Cambridge University Press, 2024-04-01) Hasking PA; Robinson K; McEvoy P; Melvin G; Bruffaerts R; Boyes ME; Auerbach RP; Hendrie D; Nock MK; Preece DA; Rees C; Kessler RC
BACKGROUND: Suicidal behaviors are prevalent among college students; however, students remain reluctant to seek support. We developed a predictive algorithm to identify students at risk of suicidal behavior and used telehealth to reduce subsequent risk. METHODS: Data come from several waves of a prospective cohort study (2016-2022) of college students (n = 5454). All first-year students were invited to participate as volunteers. (Response rates range: 16.00-19.93%). A stepped-care approach was implemented: (i) all students received a comprehensive list of services; (ii) those reporting past 12-month suicidal ideation were directed to a safety planning application; (iii) those identified as high risk of suicidal behavior by the algorithm or reporting 12-month suicide attempt were contacted via telephone within 24-h of survey completion. Intervention focused on support/safety-planning, and referral to services for this high-risk group. RESULTS: 5454 students ranging in age from 17-36 (s.d. = 5.346) participated; 65% female. The algorithm identified 77% of students reporting subsequent suicidal behavior in the top 15% of predicted probabilities (Sensitivity = 26.26 [95% CI 17.93-36.07]; Specificity = 97.46 [95% CI 96.21-98.38], PPV = 53.06 [95% CI 40.16-65.56]; AUC range: 0.895 [95% CIs 0.872-0.917] to 0.966 [95% CIs 0.939-0.994]). High-risk students in the Intervention Cohort showed a 41.7% reduction in probability of suicidal behavior at 12-month follow-up compared to high-risk students in the Control Cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Predictive risk algorithms embedded into universal screening, coupled with telehealth intervention, offer significant potential as a suicide prevention approach for students.
Does treatment method matter? A meta-analysis of the past 20 years of research on therapeutic interventions for self-harm and suicidal ideation in adolescents
(BioMed Central Ltd, part of Springer Nature, 2020-05-11) Kothgassner OD; Robinson K; Goreis A; Ougrin D; Plener PL
Background: Self-harm is a clinically relevant and prevalent behaviour which peaks in adolescence. Given the high prevalence of self-harm, the high levels of psychiatric comorbidity, and its role as a risk factor for suicide, delivering evidence-based care is critical. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on treating self-harm in adolescents (12-19 years) published in the last 20 years, identifying 25 randomised controlled trials. We calculated the effect of treatment interventions relative to active control conditions in reducing self-harm, suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms. Results: Overall, treatment interventions fared slightly better than active controls in decreasing self-harm (d = 0.13, 95% CI 0.04-0.22, p =.004), suicidal ideation (d = 0.31, 95% CI 0.12-0.50, p =.001) and depressive symptoms (d = 0.22, 95% CI 0.07-0.38, p =.006). Subgroup analysis of specific therapies revealed moderate effects of DBT-A in reducing self-harm (d = 0.51, 95% CI 0.18-0.85, p =.002) and suicidal ideation (d = 0.48, 95% CI 0.17-0.80, p =.003), as well as moderate effects of family-centred therapy in the treating suicidal ideation (d = 0.58, 95% CI 0.01-1.15, p =.049). Conclusions: The findings of our meta-analysis indicate that, overall, currently available treatments are effective in treating self-harm, suicidal ideation, and depressive symptoms in adolescence. Although the treatment intervention conditions showed only small to moderate effects in comparison to active controls, these differences were statistically significant and are clinically important. Further research is needed to understand the reduction in self-harm within active controls, which may arise due to the natural course of self-harm, or the potential efficacy of treatment as usual and enhanced usual care. Given the significant reduction of self-harm in active control conditions, delivering effective care to a large number of adolescents with self-harm may require developing stepped-care models in clinical practice. Expensive and poorly available treatments should be targeted at young people who most need them.
Efficacy of dialectical behavior therapy for adolescent self-harm and suicidal ideation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
(Cambridge University Press, 2021-05-01) Kothgassner OD; Goreis A; Robinson K; Huscsava MM; Schmahl C; Plener PL
BACKGROUND: Given the widespread nature and clinical consequences of self-harm and suicidal ideation among adolescents, establishing the efficacy of developmentally appropriate treatments that reduce both self-harm and suicidal ideation in the context of broader adolescent psychopathology is critical. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) literature on treating self-injury in adolescents (12-19 years). We searched for eligible trials and treatment evaluations published prior to July 2020 in MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases for clinical trials. Twenty-one studies were identified [five randomized-controlled trials (RCTs), three controlled clinical trials (CCTs), and 13 pre-post evaluations]. We extracted data for predefined primary (self-harm, suicidal ideation) and secondary outcomes (borderline personality symptoms; BPD) and calculated treatment effects for RCTs/CCTs and pre-post evaluations. This meta-analysis was pre-registered with OSF: osf.io/v83e7. RESULTS: Overall, the studies comprised 1673 adolescents. Compared to control groups, DBT-A showed small to moderate effects for reducing self-harm (g = -0.44; 95% CI -0.81 to -0.07) and suicidal ideation (g = -0.31, 95% CI -0.52 to -0.09). Pre-post evaluations suggested large effects for all outcomes (self-harm: g = -0.98, 95% CI -1.15 to -0.81; suicidal ideation: g = -1.16, 95% CI -1.51 to -0.80; BPD symptoms: g = -0.97, 95% CI -1.31 to -0.63). CONCLUSIONS: DBT-A appears to be a valuable treatment in reducing both adolescent self-harm and suicidal ideation. However, evidence that DBT-A reduces BPD symptoms was only found in pre-post evaluations.
Emotion dysregulation in nonsuicidal self-injury: Dissociations between global self-reports and real-time responses to emotional challenge
(Elsevier B.V., 2024-10-01) Robinson K; Cornes JP; Karl JA; Wilson MS; Grimshaw GM
INTRODUCTION: Prominent theories of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) propose that the behaviour is characterised by amplified emotional responses. However, little is known about how people who self-injure respond during emotional challenge. METHODS: We measured subjective and physiological responding (heart rate, heart rate variability, and electrodermal responding) among young adults with past-year NSSI (n = 51) and those with no lifetime NSSI (n = 50) during a resting baseline, a stress induction, and a post-stress resting phase. Participants reported the extent to which they spontaneously used cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression during the post-stress phase. Two weeks later, a subset of the sample (n = 42) reported how they remembered feeling during the laboratory session. RESULTS: Although the NSSI group reported considerably greater emotion dysregulation than Controls, both groups showed similar subjective and psychological reactivity to, and recovery from, emotional challenge. Both groups used reappraisal and suppression regulation strategies following acute stress to a similar extent, and later came to remember the emotional challenge in a similar manner. LIMITATIONS: Within the NSSI group, past-year self-injury tended to be infrequent and sporadic. Only 43.6% of the sample participated in the follow-up survey assessing memory of emotional challenge. CONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrate that the role of emotion in NSSI is more complex than prominent theories can account for, raising substantial questions regarding the nature of emotion in NSSI. A more comprehensive understanding of the role of emotion in NSSI is needed to inform intervention strategies to better support people who self-injure.
Emotional responding to overt and subtle social exclusion among young women who engage in non-suicidal self-injury.
(The Royal Society, 2023-03-08) Robinson K; Boyes ME; Wilson MS; Grimshaw GM
People who engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) consistently report greater emotion reactivity and dysregulation than their peers. However, evidence that these self-reports reflect an amplified emotional response under controlled conditions is limited. Here we test the effects of both subtle and overt social exclusion, to determine whether self-reported emotion dysregulation reflects responses to real-time emotional challenge for people who self-injure. We recruited 100 young women with past-year NSSI and 100 without NSSI to an online experiment. Participants took part in a baseline social inclusion ball-tossing game, followed by either an overt or subtle social exclusion ball-tossing game, while we measured negative mood and belongingness. Despite reporting greater emotion reactivity (d = 1.40) and dysregulation (d = 1.63) than controls, women with past-year NSSI showed no differences in negative mood or belongingness ratings in response to either overt or subtle social exclusion. Within the NSSI group, exploratory analyses found greater endorsement of intrapersonal functions predicted greater negative mood following social exclusion (β = 0.19). Given that amplified emotional responding is central to prominent theoretical models of NSSI, findings highlight the need to better understand the divergence in findings between self-reported emotion dysregulation and real-time emotional responding among people who self-injure.
Engaging new Antarctic learners and ambassadors through flexible learning, open education and immersive video lectures
(Cambridge University Press, 2019-12-11) Priestley R; Dohaney J; Atkins C; Salmon R; Robinson K
In April 2017, Victoria University of Wellington launched ICE101X - Antarctica: From Geology to Human History - on the global edX platform. This Massive Open Online Course, or MOOC, attracted 5735 learners from around the world, who engaged with content about Antarctic science, history, geology, and culture, primarily through video lectures filmed in Antarctica. Analysis of feedback from learners in three iterations of the course, offered between 2015 and 2017 and culminating in ICE101X, revealed that learners enjoyed the immersive Antarctic field lectures and learning through a diverse set of disciplinary lenses, had some preconceptions about Antarctica that were challenged by the course content, and completed the course with a new sense of interest in and protection of Antarctica.
Implementation of a Universal Screening and Referral Program for University Students at Risk of Suicide: A Case Study and Recommendations
(Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association, 2025-04-01) Hasking P; Robinson K; Tonta K
Background: University students are at heightened risk of suicide and are reluctant to reach out for support. Traditional risk assessment approaches are unreliable, prompting calls for psychosocial assessments with multivariable algorithms grounded in person-centred approaches. This paper outlines considerations in implementing one such program, identifying potential implementation barriers and offering recommendations for minimising them. Method: We conducted three surveys with university staff and students (total N = 672) to assess acceptability of a preventative screening and referral program. Participants were also asked to identify barriers to implementing such a program within university settings. Results: Staff and students thought universal screening and referral would be acceptable, and important to implement. Identified barriers included privacy, risk and liability, appropriate resourcing, and cultural appropriateness. Conclusion: Universal preventative screening and referral for suicide risk among university students is a feasible, and scalable, means of identifying students at risk and offering support before they reach crisis point. Identifying barriers early, and having strategies to minimise them, can ease the way to successful implementation.
Opening the Black Box of Daily Life in Nonsuicidal Self-injury Research: With Great Opportunity Comes Great Responsibility.
(JMIR Publications, 2021-11-19) Kiekens G; Robinson K; Tatnell R; Kirtley OJ
Although nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI)-deliberate damaging of body tissue without suicidal intent-is a behavior that occurs in interaction with real-world contexts, studying NSSI in the natural environment has historically been impossible. Recent advances in real-time monitoring technologies have revolutionized our ability to do exactly that, providing myriad research and clinical practice opportunities. In this viewpoint paper, we review new research pathways to improve our ability to understand, predict, and prevent NSSI, and provide critical perspectives on the responsibilities inherent to conducting real-time monitoring studies on NSSI. Real-time monitoring brings unique opportunities to advance scientific understanding about (1) the dynamic course of NSSI, (2) the real-time predictors thereof and ability to detect acute risk, (3) the ecological validity of theoretical models, (4) the functional mechanisms and outcomes of NSSI, and (5) the promotion of person-centered care and novel technology-based interventions. By considering the opportunities of real-time monitoring research in the context of the accompanying responsibilities (eg, inclusive recruitment, sound and transparent research practices, participant safety and engagement, measurement reactivity, researcher well-being and training), we provide novel insights and resources to open the black box of daily life in the next decade(s) of NSSI research.
Rapid Review and Meta-Meta-Analysis of Self-Guided Interventions to Address Anxiety, Depression, and Stress During COVID-19 Social Distancing
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2020-10-28) Fischer R; Bortolini T; Karl JA; Zilberberg M; Robinson K; Rabelo A; Gemal L; Wegerhoff D; Nguyễn TBTN; Irving B; Chrystal M; Mattos P; Treadway D
We conducted a rapid review and quantitative summary of meta-analyses that have examined interventions which can be used by individuals during quarantine and social distancing to manage anxiety, depression, stress, and subjective well-being. A literature search yielded 34 meta-analyses (total number of studies k = 1,390, n = 145,744) that were summarized. Overall, self-guided interventions showed small to medium effects in comparison to control groups. In particular, self-guided therapeutic approaches (including cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and acceptance-based interventions), selected positive psychology interventions, and multi-component and activity-based interventions (music, physical exercise) showed promising evidence for effectiveness. Overall, self-guided interventions on average did not show the same degree of effectiveness as traditional guided individual or group therapies. There was no consistent evidence of dose effects, baseline differences, and differential effectiveness of eHealth interventions. More research on the effectiveness of interventions in diverse cultural settings is needed.
The associations of childhood adversities and mental disorders with suicidal thoughts and behaviors - Results from the World Mental Health International College Student Initiative
(Elsevier B V, 2025-08-01) Mortier P; Yang X; Altwaijri YA; Holdcraft JA; Lee S; Sampson NA; Albor Y; Alhadi AN; Alonso J; Al-Saud NK; Andersson C; Atwoli L; Auerbach RP; Muaka CA; Báez-Mansur PM; Ballester L; Bantjes J; Baumeister H; Bendtsen M; Benjet C; Berman AH; Bruffaerts R; Carrasco P; Chan SCN; Cohut I; Covarrubias Díaz Couder MA; Crockett MA; Cuijpers P; David OA; Dong D; Ebert DD; Gaete J; Felez-Nobrega M; García Forero C; Gili M; Gutiérrez-García RA; Haro JM; Hasking P; Hunt X; Husky MM; Jaguga F; Jansen L; Langer ÁI; Liu Y; Mac-Ginty S; Martínez V; Mason A; Mathai M; McLafferty M; Miranda-Mendizabal A; Murray EK; Musyoka CM; O'Neill SM; Papasteri CC; Piqueras JA; Popescu CA; Rapsey C; Robinson K; Rodriguez-Jimenez T; Scarf D; Siu O-L; Stein DJ; Struijs SY; Tomoiaga CT; Valdés-García KP; Vereecke S; Vigo DV; Wang AY; Wong SYS; Kessler RC; World Mental Health International College Student collaborators
Objective: To investigate the associations of demographic variables, childhood adversities (CAs), and mental disorders (MDx) with onset, transition, and persistence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) among first-year university students. Method: Poisson regression models within a discrete-time survival framework were constructed using web-based self-report survey data from 72,288 incoming university students across 18 countries (response rate=20.9%; median age=19 years, 57.9% female, 1.4% transgender, 21.0% non-heterosexual). These models examined the associations of four demographic variables, five CAs, and eight MDx with STB outcomes. Results: Lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts was 47.0%, 26.0%, and 9.6%, respectively; 12-month estimates were 30.6%, 14.0%, and 2.3%. In unadjusted analyses, associations were strongest between lifetime onset of suicidal ideation and CAs (RR range 4.4–7.0), particularly parental psychopathology (relative risk [RR]=7.0 [95% CI 6.5–7.7]), followed by MDx (RR range 1.3–3.0). Of the demographic subgroups, transgender students had highest risk of STB (lifetime ideation onset RR=2.4 [2.3–2.6]; ideation-to-attempt transition RR=1.5 [1.3–1.8]). In fully adjusted models, strongest predictors of lifetime ideation onset were emotional abuse (RR=2.1 [1.9–2.2]), major depressive disorder (RR=2.0 [1.9–2.1]), and bipolar disorder (RR=1.8 [1.6–2.0]). Ideation-to-attempt transition remained most strongly associated with panic disorder (RR=1.5 [1.3–1.7]), bipolar disorder (RR=1.4 [1.2–1.7]), and sexual abuse (RR=1.4 [1.2–1.7]). Most predictors were significantly but weakly associated with persistence of ideation and plan, while only physical abuse remained associated with repeated suicide attempts (RR=1.3 [1.0–1.8]). Conclusion: CAs and MDx are strong predictors of both onset of and transition within the STB spectrum, underscoring the importance of implementing early-life prevention interventions.
Who are we missing? Self-selection bias in nonsuicidal self-injury research.
(John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2023-10) Robinson K; Dayer KF; Mirichlis S; Hasking PA; Wilson MS
BACKGROUND: Despite the threat of self-selection bias to the generalizability of research findings, remarkably little is known about who chooses to take part in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) research specifically. We aimed to establish the extent of willingness to take part in NSSI research within a commonly sampled population before assessing whether individual differences in demographic characteristics, NSSI lived experience, and participation experiences were associated with willingness to take part in future NSSI research. METHODS: New Zealand university students (n = 3098) completed self-report measures of their NSSI, psychological distress, emotional dysregulation, experience of their participation in the current study, and willingness to participate in future NSSI research. RESULTS: Most participants (78.2%) indicated that they were willing to take part in future NSSI research. Men, older participants, people with NSSI lived experience, and those with more frequent past-year NSSI were more likely to be willing to take part in future NSSI research. Participants who reported a more positive subjective experience of the current study also indicated greater willingness. CONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrate systematic differences in who is willing to take part in NSSI research. Future research should implement methodological and statistical approaches to mitigate the impact of self-selection bias on NSSI research.

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