Functions of nonsuicidal self-injury among Chinese community adolescents

This study examined functions of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among a large sample of Chinese high school students over a six-month period. Among Chinese adolescents, we identified three factors of NSSI functions, namely, Affect Regulation, Social Influence, and Social Avoidance. Affect Regulation was the most frequently endorsed function of NSSI, followed by Social Influence and Social Avoidance. Adolescent male self-injurers were more likely to endorse the Social Influence function than their female counterparts. Moderate/Severe Self-injurers did not differ from Minor Self-injurers on the endorsement of various NSSI functions. All functions of NSSI exhibited small to moderate stability over the six-month assessment period. Findings suggest that Chinese adolescents engaged in NSSI for multiple reasons. These reasons also varied considerably over time within individuals. Assessment of NSSI should thus regularly assess functions of the behavior.