Nonsuicidal self-injury behaviour in a city of China and its association with family environment, media use and psychopathology

Kaili Liang; Li Zhao; Yalin Lei; Kun Zou; Shuming Ji; Ruiou Wang; Xiaoqi Huang

doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2022.152311

Nonsuicidal self-injury behaviour in a city of China and its association with family environment, media use and psychopathology

Compr Psychiatry. 2022 May:115:152311. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2022.152311. Epub 2022 Mar 29.

Authors

Kaili Liang¹, Li Zhao², Yalin Lei³, Kun Zou⁴, Shuming Ji², Ruiou Wang⁵, Xiaoqi Huang⁶

Affiliations

¹ Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Health Policy and Management, West China School of Public Health, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
² Department of Health Policy and Management, West China School of Public Health, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
³ Department of Health-Related Social and Behavioural Sciences, West China School of Public Health, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
⁴ Department of Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; West China Research Center for Rural Health Development, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; Institute for Healthy Cities, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
⁵ West China School of Public Health, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
⁶ Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China. Electronic address: julianahuang@163.com.

PMID: 35395465
DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2022.152311

Abstract

Introduction: It is not clear whether there are differences in the risk factors for nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) between children and early adolescents. Clarifying this question is crucial for identifying actionable prevention strategies for NSSI in these two age groups.

Method: The study, comprising 8611 children and early adolescents (4409 (51.2%) children, 4202 (48.8%) early adolescents), was based on the baseline data of the Chengdu Positive Child Development (CPCD) in China. NSSI behaviours, emotional and behavioural problems and family environment were assessed and obtained via self-reports and parent reports.

Results: Overall, 2520 (29.26%) participants reported having ever engaged in NSSI. There was a higher lifetime NSSI rate in males than in females during childhood, contrasting with higher NSSI rates in females than in males during early adolescence. Furthermore, NSSI shared similar risk factors, including major family conflict and poor relationships with caregivers, in both age groups. Specifically, in children, the risk of NSSI increased along with thought and attention problems (OR, 95% CI: 1.194, 1.106-1.288 and 1.114, 1.028-1.207, respectively), whereas in early adolescents, it increased with anxiety and depressive problems (OR, 95% CI: 1.259, 1.116-1.422).

Conclusions: The findings suggested the need for difference in preventive strategies for NSSI in the two age groups. It may be more efficacious to screen for NSSI in children with thought and attention problems and in early adolescents with anxiety and depressive problems.

Keywords: Childhood; Early adolescence; Emotional and behavioural problems; Family environment; Nonsuicidal self-injury.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Child
Female
Humans
Male
Mental Disorders*
Problem Behavior*
Psychopathology
Risk Factors
Self-Injurious Behavior* / diagnosis
Self-Injurious Behavior* / epidemiology
Self-Injurious Behavior* / prevention & control