Parental Monitoring as a Predictor of Self-Injurious Behavior: the Mediating Role of Dual Systems Model Constructs

Weak parental monitoring has been identified as a risk factor for self-injurious behavior. However, there remains a dearth of research identifying mechanisms underpinning this relationship. Variance in dual systems model cognitive development (impulse control, sensation-seeking) was tested as a set of mediators of this relationship. The Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development data were analyzed. Generalized structural equation modeling was used to test for direct and indirect effects of interest. Weak parental monitoring predicted increased risk for self-injurious behavior at follow-up. Low impulse control significantly mediated this relationship, whereas sensation-seeking was not a significant mediator. These findings indicated the importance of strengthening parental monitoring and fostering healthy impulse control development to prevent self-injurious behavior. A multi-arm program could address these factors at the parent and child level.