Despite the high prevalence of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and resultant physical scarring, few studies have explored the occurrence and psychological implications of concealing NSSI scars. This study examines NSSI scar concealment from the self and others, as well as the cognitive, affective, and self-injury-related correlates of these concealment practices. This study aimed to characterize the extent to which individuals who engage in concealment practices have a history of, or desire to engage in, treatment for NSSI specifically geared towards NSSI scarring. Adults with at least one NSSI scar (N = 278) completed online questionnaires measuring NSSI engagement and scarring, scar concealment behaviors, scar-related cognitions, as well as symptoms of anxiety and depression, and recent suicidal ideation and NSSI urges. Results indicate that the degree of scar concealment from the self and from others is associated with greater experiences of negative scar-related cognitions, higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptomatology, and higher severity of NSSI urges. These correlations persisted after accounting for NSSI severity indices, including extent of NSSI scarring, suggesting that scar concealment practices may be important clinical indicators of current distress and potential future self-injury. Future research should explore the extent to which scar concealment practices are longitudinally associated with distress and risk for NSSI maintenance.

尽管非自杀性自伤 (NSSI) 和由此产生的身体疤痕的发生率很高，但很少有研究探讨隐藏 NSSI 疤痕的发生和心理影响。本研究检查了 NSSI 疤痕对自我和他人的隐瞒，以及这些隐瞒行为与认知、情感和自伤相关的相关因素。本研究旨在描述从事隐匿行为的个人在多大程度上有过或希望从事专门针对 NSSI 瘢痕形成的 NSSI 治疗。至少有一处 NSSI 疤痕的成人（N = 278) 完成了测量 NSSI 参与度和疤痕形成、疤痕隐藏行为、疤痕相关认知以及焦虑和抑郁症状以及最近的自杀意念和 NSSI 冲动的在线问卷。结果表明，对自我和他人的疤痕隐藏程度与更多的负面疤痕相关认知体验、更高水平的焦虑和抑郁症状以及更高的 NSSI 冲动严重程度相关。在考虑了 NSSI 严重程度指数（包括 NSSI 疤痕形成的程度）后，这些相关性仍然存在，这表明疤痕隐藏做法可能是当前痛苦和未来潜在自伤的重要临床指标。