Parenting behavior in families of female adolescents with nonsuicidal self-injury in comparison to a clinical and a nonclinical control group

Abstract

BackgroundNonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is often accompanied by dysfunctional familial relationships. Problems within the family are also frequent triggers for NSSI.MethodsThe current study investigated the parenting behavior in families of 45 female adolescents with NSSI disorder, 27 adolescents with other mental disorders (clinical controls, CCs), and 44 adolescents without mental disorders (nonclinical controls, NCs). The adolescents and their parents (92 mothers, 24 fathers) were surveyed using self-report measures. The parenting dimensions warmth and support, psychological control, and behavioral control (demands, rules, and discipline), as well as parental psychopathology and parental satisfaction were assessed.ResultsAdolescents with NSSI disorder reported significantly less maternal warmth and support than NCs (d = .64); this group difference was not evident in mothers’ reports. No group differences emerged regarding adolescent-reported paternal parenting behavior. Mothers of adolescents with NSSI reported higher depression, anxiety, and stress scores than mothers in the NC group and less parental satisfaction than mothers in both control groups (CC and NC).ConclusionsGiven the association between NSSI, low levels of adolescent-reported maternal warmth and support and low levels of mother-reported parental satisfaction, clinical interventions for adolescents with NSSI should focus on improving family communication and interaction.

Interactive Family Dynamics and Non-suicidal Self-Injury in Psychiatric Adolescent Patients: A Single Case Study

“…In addition to the nature of the family structure and the quality of parent–child relations, a fundamental variable considered in the NSSI literature concerns the parents’ behavior. Tschan et al (2015) confirmed that the onset and persistence of NSSI could be considerably influenced by an absence of warmth and support, as well as by a marked hostility and a severely critical parenting approach. The authors also found that NSSI adolescents’ parents reported higher levels of parental stress and lower levels of parental satisfaction than other parents.…”

Association of Internet Addiction With Nonsuicidal Self-injury Among Adolescents in China

“…Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), defined as the direct, deliberate damage of one's body tissue (eg, cutting, burning) without suicidal intent, is widespread among adolescents worldwide. 1 The prevalence rates of NSSI can be as high as 1 in 5 in community settings, with higher prevalence rates reported in clinical samples of youths. 2 Engagement in NSSI is associated with various mental difficulties, including, but not limited to depression, anorexia nervosa, 3 substance use, 4 attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder.…”

Temperament and character traits in female adolescents with nonsuicidal self-injury disorder with and without comorbid borderline personality disorder

“…Lower cooperativeness may cause more interpersonal conflict and distress through socially intolerant, critical, and destructive conflict behavior. In fact, previous research indicates that adolescents with NSSI frequently report problems in social interactions [54] that can trigger NSSI [55]. Compared to the CC group, the level of persistence in adolescents with NSSI was low but still in the normal range.…”