Multidimensional stress and self-harm in Chinese preadolescents: A cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Public Health
• Psychology

Background:

• Limited research exists on self-harm among preadolescents in China.
• This study addresses the influence of multidimensional stress on self-harm behaviors in this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of self-harm among preadolescents in China.
• To identify multidimensional stressors associated with self-harm behaviors in this population.

Main Methods:

• A large-scale cross-sectional study was conducted with 48,117 primary school students (grades 3-6) in Southwest China.
• Data on sociodemographic characteristics and multidimensional stressors were collected and analyzed using Chi-square and binary logistic regression.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of self-harm was 13.6%, with slightly higher rates in females (14.1%) than males (13.2%).
• Key risk factors identified include high academic pressure (OR=2.00), poor parent-child relationships (OR=1.89), and frequent bullying (OR=1.53).
• Other significant factors include early menstruation, frequent smartphone use, poor peer relationships, parental relationship issues, and financial difficulties.

Conclusions:

• Preadolescents in China exhibit high rates of self-harm.
• Schools and families should prioritize preadolescent mental health and develop targeted interventions for self-harm.
• Limitations include the cross-sectional design and potential self-reporting bias.