The impact of childhood emotional abuse on the developmental trajectory of non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents: The mediating role of self-compassion and peer attachment

Background

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a concerning health problem that afflicts some adolescents, and childhood emotional abuse is an early risk factor for NSSI. However, few studies have focused on identifying specific mediators underlying the relationship between childhood emotional abuse and the developmental trajectory of NSSI. Self-compassion and peer attachment are important intrapersonal and interpersonal factors influencing NSSI. However, it remains unclear whether self-compassion and peer attachment may mediate the relationship between childhood emotional abuse and the developmental trajectory of NSSI.

Objective

Based on Nock's integrated theoretical model and the Four-Function Model of self-injury, this study investigates the developmental change of NSSI during one year in adolescence and the mediating roles of self-compassion (as an intrapersonal factor) and peer attachment (as an interpersonal factor) in childhood emotional abuse and the initial level and rate of change of NSSI.

Participants and methods

A total of 1214 Chinese adolescents (M = 15.46, SD = 0.71; 737 boys and 477 girls) were recruited to measure NSSI, childhood emotional abuse, self-compassion, and peer attachment at T1 and then NSSI was assessed again at T2 and T3 within the same calendar year. A latent growth model was used to explore the developmental change of NSSI; structural equation modeling was constructed to explore the mediating role of self-compassion and peer attachment.

Results

The results showed that the frequency of NSSI occurred at a very low level among Chinese adolescents and decreased significantly over the year. Childhood emotional abuse positively predicted the initial level of NSSI and negatively predicted the rate of decline in NSSI. In addition, self-compassion and peer attachment partially mediate between childhood emotional abuse and the initial levels and rate of change in adolescent NSSI.

Conclusions

The findings suggested a downward trend in adolescent NSSI development over the one-year follow-up, and indicated that childhood emotional abuse is related to the development of NSSI. Additionally, the study suggested that increasing self-compassion and improving peer relationships offer opportunities for prevention and intervention for NSSI in adolescence.