The relationship between major life events and non-suicidal self-injury among college students: the effect of rumination and body image

Qian Qin; Qian Qin; Guangni Yang; Guangni Yang; Yue Li; Wanchun Wu; Jianping Wang; Jianping Wang; Ziyao Chen; Xiaohua Kong; Wei Zhang; Hongyu Zou

doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1308186

Frontiers in Public Health (Jan 2024)

The relationship between major life events and non-suicidal self-injury among college students: the effect of rumination and body image

Qian Qin,
Qian Qin,
Guangni Yang,
Guangni Yang,
Yue Li,
Wanchun Wu,
Jianping Wang,
Jianping Wang,
Ziyao Chen,
Xiaohua Kong,
Wei Zhang,
Hongyu Zou

Affiliations

Qian Qin: Center for Studies of Psychological Application, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
Qian Qin: School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
Guangni Yang: Center for Studies of Psychological Application, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
Guangni Yang: Department of Psychology, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China
Yue Li: College of Teacher Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
Wanchun Wu: Center for Studies of Psychological Application, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
Jianping Wang: College of Teacher Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
Jianping Wang: Journal of South China Normal University, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
Ziyao Chen: Center for Studies of Psychological Application, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
Xiaohua Kong: Center for Studies of Psychological Application, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
Wei Zhang: Center for Studies of Psychological Application, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
Hongyu Zou: Center for Studies of Psychological Application, School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1308186
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 11

Abstract

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BackgroundNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) poses a growing risk to public health worldwide. While numerous studies have identified major life events as key risk factors for NSSI, the mechanisms by which emotional and cognitive problems mediate or moderate this relationship remain unclear. To enhance the understanding of this field, we will draw upon the cascade theory of self-injury and the benefits and barriers model, to examine the relationship between major life events and NSSI, as well as the effect of rumination and body image.MethodsA sample of 2,717 college students (Mage = 19.81 years; SD = 1.09) participated in this study and anonymously completed the questionnaires. The moderated mediation model were conducted using Model 4 and Model 15 of the Process macro program in SPSS.ResultsThe results showed that rumination mediated the positive relationship between major life events and NSSI. Furthermore, body image was found to moderate both the relationship between major life events and NSSI, as well as the relationship between rumination and NSSI.ConclusionThe current findings suggest that rumination is an important mediator in the relationship between major life events and NSSI among college students. Teachers, parents, and researchers should recognize the important role of body image self-perceptions of college students and actively promote a healthy and accurate body image.

Published in Frontiers in Public Health

ISSN: 2296-2565 (Online)
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Medicine: Public aspects of medicine
Website: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health

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