To elucidate the behavioral and neural interplay between impulsivity, temporal processing deficits, and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents.
Key Findings:
Adolescents with NSSI exhibited significantly elevated trait impulsivity and heightened delay aversion.
Impaired short-interval temporal discrimination and consistent underestimation of time intervals were observed in the NSSI group.
BIS-11 scores, 600ms discrimination thresholds, and 90s estimation bias were significant predictors of NSSI.
Neuroimaging revealed hypoactivation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC) associated with greater time estimation errors.
Interpretation:
Adolescents with NSSI display a distinct neurocognitive phenotype characterized by high impulsivity and distorted time perception, linked to reduced L-DLPFC activation.
Limitations:
The study's sample size may limit the generalizability of findings.
The cross-sectional design restricts causal inferences.
Conclusion:
NSSI involves a dual failure of inhibitory control and temporal processing, suggesting that interventions targeting prefrontal regulation may help reduce risk.
