Effect on adverse childhood experiences and non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents with mental illness: The mediation effect of coping styles.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) significantly raise the risk of non-suicidal self-injurious (NSSI) in adolescents with mental illnesses. However, the mechanism through which ACEs affect NSSI remains unclear. This study aims to clarify the mechanisms that influence the relationship between types of ACEs, violence exposure, and NSSI and explore the mediating role of positive coping strategies.
A multi-center, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in eight provinces in China, involving 2052 adolescents with mental illness. The Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, the Simplified Coping Styles Questionnaire, and the Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Screening Scale were utilized for data collection. All data analyses were performed using R version 4.4.2.
A survey of adolescents found that 83.8% had experienced at least one ACE. The prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury among these adolescents was 67.9%. All types of exposure to ACEs increased the likelihood of NSSI among adolescents with mental illness (aOR: 1.409-3.007). Types of violence-related ACEs demonstrated a cumulative effect (aOR: 3.494, 6.246). Positive coping strategies mediate the relationship between ACEs and NSSI (aOR: 1.017-1.039).
Exposure to ACEs increases the likelihood of non-suicidal self-injurious behavior in adolescents with mental illness. In particular, it is important to focus on the effects of bullying, emotional neglect, and domestic violence. Developing and employing positive coping strategies can effectively lower the risk of NSSI in adolescents facing mental health challenges. Early screening for adolescents who have experienced ACEs, along with targeted psychological crisis intervention, are future initiatives.
A multi-center, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in eight provinces in China, involving 2052 adolescents with mental illness. The Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, the Simplified Coping Styles Questionnaire, and the Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Screening Scale were utilized for data collection. All data analyses were performed using R version 4.4.2.
A survey of adolescents found that 83.8% had experienced at least one ACE. The prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury among these adolescents was 67.9%. All types of exposure to ACEs increased the likelihood of NSSI among adolescents with mental illness (aOR: 1.409-3.007). Types of violence-related ACEs demonstrated a cumulative effect (aOR: 3.494, 6.246). Positive coping strategies mediate the relationship between ACEs and NSSI (aOR: 1.017-1.039).
Exposure to ACEs increases the likelihood of non-suicidal self-injurious behavior in adolescents with mental illness. In particular, it is important to focus on the effects of bullying, emotional neglect, and domestic violence. Developing and employing positive coping strategies can effectively lower the risk of NSSI in adolescents facing mental health challenges. Early screening for adolescents who have experienced ACEs, along with targeted psychological crisis intervention, are future initiatives.
Authors
Liao Liao, Jian Jian, Li Li, Zhang Zhang, Meng Meng, Shi Shi, Wang Wang, Li Li
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