The relationship between impulsivity and non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents: the chain-mediated effects of parenting style and distress tolerance
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective The purpose of this study is to explore the related risk factors and protective factors of adolescent non suicidal self injury (NSSI). Methods Utilizing the experience sampling method, we recruited 311 adolescents engaging in NSSI, all without other mental disorders, from five public high schools in a specific city. Questionnaire surveys were administered, employing the Chinese version of the Short-Form Egna Minnen av Barndoms Uppfostran (s-EMBU-C), Distress Tolerance Scale-Revised (DTS-CR), Adolescent Self-harm Behavior Questionnaire, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale version 11 (BIS-11). Results 1) The findings indicate that NSSI in adolescents is positively correlated with impulsivity and negative parenting styles ( P < 0.01), while it is negatively correlated with distress tolerance and positive parenting styles (P<0.01). Impulsivity is negatively correlated with distress tolerance and positive parenting styles ( P < 0.01) and positively correlated with negative parenting styles ( P < 0.01). Furthermore, distress tolerance is negatively correlated with negative parenting styles ( P < 0.01) and positively correlated with positive parenting styles ( P < 0.01). 2) This study reveals that both negative and positive parenting styles serve as complete mediators in the relationship between impulsivity and NSSI behavior in adolescents, with distress tolerance as a significant factor. Conclusion Impulsivity significantly influences NSSI behavior in adolescents through the mediation of parenting styles (both negative and positive) and distress tolerance.
Source: Frontiers in Psychiatry
Authors: Hong Chen, Yuyu Gu, Congwen Yang, Hui Xiang
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7154568219