Beyond impulsivity, predicting non-suicidal self-injurious behavior in adolescents: A network approach

Impulsivity is a key factor in the onset of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) during adolescence; however, the impact of other psychological factors on this relationship remains uncertain.

This study mainly explored the complex network relationship between general mental health status and NSSI in adolescents.

We surveyed 1127 adolescents regarding their experiences with NSSI and conducted detailed assessments of their mental health status, attitudes toward animals, and demographic characteristics, including age, gender, Body Mass Index, socioeconomic status, and online-time. Complex interactions and potential patterns among NSSI, general mental health status, attitudes toward animals, and demographic variables were examined using logistic regression analysis, GLASSO network and Bayesian network analysis.

A significant association was observed between impulsive tendencies (ImT; odds ratio [OR]: 1.62; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.49-1.76) and physical symptoms (PhS; OR: 1.34, 95 % CI: 1.27-1.43) with NSSI in the training set. Network analysis identified anxiety about people (AaP), PhS, and ImT as central features. Moreover, Bayesian network analysis suggested that ImT has a direct associated with NSSI, while AaP and PhS exert an indirect influence on NSSI through the mediation of ImT.

Beyond the direct and potent link between impulsivity and non-suicidal self-injury, the study highlights that interpersonal anxiety and somatic symptoms have an indirect yet significant impact on non-suicidal self-injury, primarily mediated through the prism of impulsivity.