Impulsivity Mediates the Association Between Parenting Styles and Self-harm in Chinese Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Parenting styles were positively associated with self-harm (SH) in adolescents. Nevertheless, little is known concerning the mechanism behind this association. This study primarily aims to evaluate the potential mediation of impulsivity in the association between parenting styles and SH in Chinese adolescents. Methods: A population-based sample of 3146 adolescents in southwest China were surveyed by using self-administered questionnaires. Logistic regression analyses were used to measure the association between parenting styles and SH. Path model further examined mediation of impulsivity in this association. Results: The prevalence of SH was 47.0% (95% CI: 36.3%-58.0%). Impulsivity and mother’s over-protection were significantly associated with SH. Impulsivity showed a salient mediation, accounting for 23.4% of the total association. Parenting styles of father and mother showed disparate roles in the hypothesized path model. Conclusions: Our major findings suggested that, for Chinese adolescents with harsher maternal parenting style, impulsivity-centered intervention measures might be effective in reducing parenting style related SH.