Mapping the Network Structure of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: The Role of Emotional and Interpersonal Vulnerability and...

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is highly prevalent during adolescence and is associated with a range of emotional, cognitive, and interpersonal vulnerabilities. Although prior research has identified key correlates such as emotion dysregulation, hopelessness, interpersonal distress, and attachment insecurity, these factors have largely been examined in isolation, limiting understanding of how they jointly contribute to NSSI.

The present study examined the network structure of NSSI and associated vulnerability processes in a community sample of 2067 Spanish adolescents (M age = 14.62, SD = 1.80). A regularized partial correlation network (EBICglasso) was estimated, including NSSI frequency and functions, emotion dysregulation, hopelessness, perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and attachment representations. Centrality and network stability were evaluated using standard indices and bootstrapping procedures.

The network revealed a differentiated structure of associations. Perceived burdensomeness and intrapersonal NSSI functions emerged as the most influential nodes, whereas emotion dysregulation occupied a key bridging position connecting attachment-related experiences, interpersonal vulnerability, and NSSI processes. In contrast, NSSI frequency and interpersonal functions showed a more peripheral role. Attachment security was negatively associated with core risk variables, consistent with a protective role within the network.

Findings suggest that NSSI in adolescence is embedded within a system of interacting emotional and interpersonal processes, structured around the functional meaning of the behavior and key interpersonal appraisals. Emotion dysregulation emerged as a highly connected node linking multiple domains, while attachment was associated with several key variables within the network. These findings suggest potential targets for early identification and intervention, particularly focusing on emotion regulation, perceived burdensomeness, and intrapersonal functions of NSSI.