Relation between Interparental Conflict and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents: Mediating Role of Alexithymia and Moderating Role of Resilience

Abstract

Background: Adolescents frequently engage in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI), with recent trends indicating an increase in this behavior. At the same time, Chinese adolescents have a higher incidence of NSSI than Western adolescents. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the relationship between interparental conflict and NSSI among adolescents within the context of Chinese families. Methods: The research sample comprised 755 senior high school students (46.62% male; age M = 16.82, SD = 0.94 years) who completed the Interparental Conflict Child Perception Scale (CPIC), Adolescent Self-Injury Behavior Questionnaire (ASHS), Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20), and Scale of Adolescent Resilience (RSCA). Results: Findings suggest that interparental conflict is a significant positive predictor of NSSI (r = 0.22, p < 0.01). Alexithymia mediates the relation between interparental conflict and NSSI (effect size = 0.09, 95% CI [0.05, 0.13]). Additionally, resilience moderates both the direct relation (β = −0.08, p < 0.05) and the latter half of the mediating pathway (β =−0.08, p < 0.05) in the moderated mediation model. Conclusion: This study indicates that interparental conflict have an impact on adolescents’ NSSI in Chinese families, and alexithymia and resilience play important roles in the relationship. These findings offer valuable guidance for the prevention and intervention efforts targeting NSSI among adolescents in China and in similar family contexts.