A systematic review and meta-analysis of factors affecting non-suicidal self-injury in depressed adolescents
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By
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Yanfei Zheng
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Xudong Zhao
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Leiwen Tang
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July 13, 2026
Clinical Report: Factors Affecting Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Depressed Adolescents
Overview
This systematic review and meta-analysis identified psychosocial factors influencing non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents with depression. Key findings include higher levels of interpersonal problems, negative emotions, and childhood trauma exposure in adolescents exhibiting NSSI compared to controls.
Background
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a prevalent behavior among adolescents, often serving as a maladaptive coping mechanism for emotional distress. Adolescents with depressive disorders are particularly vulnerable, with a reported incidence of NSSI around 50% according to recent studies. Understanding the factors that contribute to NSSI is crucial for developing effective interventions.
Data Highlights
| Factor | Mean Difference (MD) | 95% Confidence Interval (CI) | P-value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interpersonal problems | 5.88 | (3.19, 8.57) | <0.001 |
| Negative emotions | 5.88 | (3.19, 8.57) | <0.001 |
| Somatic symptom scores | 5.20 | (–0.03, 10.43) | 0.05 |
| Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores | 2.97 | (1.76, 4.18) | <0.001 |
| Childhood Trauma Questionnaire total scores | 8.93 | (3.63, 14.24) | <0.001 |
Key Findings
- Adolescents with NSSI exhibited significantly higher interpersonal problems compared to controls.
- Negative emotions were more prevalent in adolescents with NSSI.
- Higher scores for emotional abuse were found in the NSSI group.
- Childhood trauma exposure was significantly associated with NSSI behaviors.
- Depressive symptoms were more severe in adolescents with NSSI.
Clinical Implications
Understanding these factors can guide clinicians in developing tailored treatment plans.
Conclusion
The findings highlight the interplay of emotional and psychosocial factors in NSSI among depressed adolescents.
Related Resources & Content
- BMC Psychiatry (Springer), 2025 -- A review of the scope of non-suicidal self-injury behavior in adolescents with depressive disorders: an analysis of related influencing factors
- BMC Psychiatry (Springer), 2025 -- Community-based mental health interventions for reducing youth suicidal thoughts and behaviours: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- JAMA Network Open -- Risk and Protective Factors for Suicide Mortality in Youths: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
- Frontiers in Psychiatry — The association of different dimensions of anhedonia in the relationship between depressive symptoms and self-harm in adolescents with mood disorders
- NICE Guidance on Self-Harm
- AAP News on Suicide Risk in Adolescents
- Systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis: reducing self-harm in adolescents: pooled treatment effects, study, treatment and participant moderators
- Intermittent theta burst stimulation for non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents with major depressive disorder: a randomized, sham-controlled trial
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1586922/pdf
- Frontiers | Sex differences in the prevalence and risk factors of non-suicidal self-injury behaviors among adolescent outpatients with major depressive disorder
- Patterns in Nonfatal Self-Harm Among Adolescents | Adolescent Medicine | JAMA Pediatrics | JAMA Network
Based on findings from:
A meta-analysis of influencing factors of non-suicidal self-injury behavior in adolescents with depression
Yanfei Zheng, Xudong Zhao, Leiwen Tang. Frontiers In Psychiatry, 2026.
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1758127/full
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