The relationship between reinforcement sensitivity and non-suicidal self-injury among adolescents: moderated mediation effect

Abstract

Objective: Non-suicidal self-injury (hereinafter referred to as NSSI) is a significant public health concern among adolescents. Understanding its underlying psychological mechanisms is crucial for developing effective interventions. This study explored how reinforcement sensitivity affects NSSI among adolescents in China. Methods: A moderated mediation effect model was constructed to investigate the mediating role of self-criticism in the relationship between reinforcement sensitivity and NSSI, as well as the moderating role of self-compassion in this mediated pathway. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 1,582 middle school students. The study utilized established scales, including the BIS/BAS Scale, the Self-Criticism scale, the Self-Compassion Scale and the Adolescents Self-Harm Scale. Results: A total of 1,448 valid questionnaires were analyzed. The results showed that (1) punishment sensitivity can significantly positively predict NSSI among adolescents, with self-criticism partially mediating this relationship; (2) fun-seeking can significantly positively predict NSSI among adolescents, with self-criticism fully mediating this relationship; (3) reward responsiveness can significantly negatively predict NSSI among adolescents, with self-criticism partially mediating this relationship; (4) the relationship between self-criticism and NSSI was moderated by self-compassion (the latter half of the mediation effect). Conclusion: These results not only enhance our understanding of the mechanisms and conditions under which reinforcement sensitivity impacts adolescents’ NSSI, but also have important implications for targeted intervention measures.