Network analysis of adolescent non-suicidal self-injury subgroups identified through latent profile analysis

Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is common among adolescents and frequently co-occurs with depression. Understanding the distinct patterns of NSSI behaviors, along with their associated risk and protective factors, is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Aim: To classify NSSI behaviors and examine interactions between risk and resilience factors in Chinese adolescents.

Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 3967 Chinese students (51.7% female, mean age 13.58 ± 2.24 years) who completed questionnaires on parenting styles, bullying, childhood maltreatment, depression, resilience, and NSSI. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to identify NSSI subtypes, and network analysis explored interactions between risk and resilience factors.

Results: Three NSSI subtypes were identified: NSSI with depression (18.8%), NSSI without depression (12.3%), and neither (68.9%). Bullying was the central risk factor across subtypes, while emotional control and family support were key protective factors. Statistical analyses showed significant differences between groups (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: This study identified three NSSI subtypes among Chinese adolescents. Bullying emerged as a central risk factor, while emotional control and family support were key protective factors. Targeting these areas may help reduce NSSI behaviors in this population.