1
|
Guo X, Wang L, Li Z, Feng Z, Lu L, Jiang L, Zhao L. Factors and pathways of non-suicidal self-injury in children: insights from computational causal analysis. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1305746. [PMID: 38532971 PMCID: PMC10963487 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1305746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) has become a significant public health issue, especially prevalent among adolescents. The complexity and multifactorial nature of NSSI necessitate a comprehensive understanding of its underlying causal factors. This research leverages the causal discovery methodology to explore these causal associations in children. Methods An observational dataset was scrutinized using the causal discovery method, particularly employing the constraint-based approach. By integrating machine learning and causal inference techniques, the study aimed to determine direct causal relationships associated with NSSI. The robustness of the causal relationships was evaluated using three methods to construct and validate it: the PC (Peter and Clark) method, Fast Causal Inference (FCI) method, and the GAE (Graphical Autoencoder) method. Results Analysis identified nine nodes with direct causal relationships to NSSI, including life satisfaction, depression, family dysfunction, sugary beverage consumption, PYD (positive youth development), internet addiction, COVID-19 related PTSD, academic anxiety, and sleep duration. Four principal causal pathways were identified, highlighting the roles of lockdown-induced lifestyle changes, screen time, positive adolescent development, and family dynamics in influencing NSSI risk. Conclusions An in-depth analysis of the factors leading to Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI), highlighting the intricate connections among individual, family, and pandemic-related influences. The results, derived from computational causal analysis, underscore the critical need for targeted interventions that tackle these diverse causative factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Guo
- Department of Health Policy and Management, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Linna Wang
- College of Computer Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhenchao Li
- Department of Health Policy and Management, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ziliang Feng
- College of Computer Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Lu
- College of Computer Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lihua Jiang
- Department of Health Policy and Management, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Teaching and Research Section of General Practice, The General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Zhao
- Department of Health Policy and Management, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Deng H, Zhang X, Zhang Y, Yan J, Zhuang Y, Liu H, Li J, Xue X, Wang C. The pooled prevalence and influential factors of non-suicidal self-injury in non-clinical samples during the COVID-19 outbreak: A meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2023; 343:109-118. [PMID: 37802326 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.09.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 has had an enormous impact on the mental health of people around the world, particularly adolescents. Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is one of the most prominent and dangerous behaviors associated with suicide. However, few meta-analyses of the NSSI prevalence have ever been conducted since the COVID-19 outbreak. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence and elucidate the influencing factors for NSSI. METHODS We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, APA PsycINFO, CNKI and Wanfang Database for relevant literature published before April 2022. Pooled prevalence and 95 % confidence interval (CI) were used to assess NSSI prevalence. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to clarify the potential influencing factors. RESULTS A total of 15 studies with 24,055 participants were eventually included. The results showed that the pooled overall prevalence of NSSI among overall samples during the COVID-19 pandemic was 22.5 % (95 % CI: 17.2 % to 28.9 %). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses revealed that the crucial influencing factors for NSSI included gender, age, regional distribution, and suicidal ideation. Specifically, the NSSI prevalence among adolescents and adults during the pandemic was 32.40 % and 15.70 %, respectively. Most importantly, gender is a significant influencing factor for NSSI among adolescents. CONCLUSIONS The pooled prevalence of NSSI during the COVID-19 outbreak has surged to alarming heights, especially among adolescents. The prevalence of NSSI may be influenced by complex factors such as gender and age. Therefore, it is critical to pay attention to NSSI behaviors in the adolescent population, particularly male adolescents who appear to be susceptible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hu Deng
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Xueqian Zhang
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, China
| | - Yiyue Zhang
- Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyi Yan
- Department of Psychology, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, China
| | - Yunyue Zhuang
- Department of Psychology, Chengde Medical University, Chengde, China
| | - Huaqing Liu
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiuju Li
- Peking University HuiLongGuan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Xue
- Department of Psychiatry, Beijing First Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chundi Wang
- Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Beihang University, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang LJZ, Lan Y, Liu SJ, Yan WS. Impact of the COVID-19 and psychological risk factors on non-suicidal self-injury behavior among high school students: a one-year follow-up study. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:512. [PMID: 37452290 PMCID: PMC10349405 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05021-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behavior is a severe public health issue in adolescents. This study investigated the possible impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and analyzed psychological risk factors on adolescent NSSI. METHODS A one-year follow-up study was conducted in September 2019 (Time 1) and September 2020 (Time 2) among 3588 high school students. The completed follow-up participants (N = 2527) were classified into no NSSI (negative at both time points), emerging NSSI (negative at Time 1 but positive at Time 2), and sustained NSSI (positive at both time points) subgroups according to their NSSI behaviors before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Perceived family functioning, perceived school climate, negative life events, personality traits (neuroticism, impulsivity, and self-control) were assessed using self-report scales. RESULTS The data indicated an increase (10.3%) in the incidence of NSSI. Compared to no NSSI subjects, the emerging NSSI and sustained NSSI subgroups had lower perceived family functioning, higher neuroticism, higher impulse-system but lower self-control scores, and more negative life events. Logistic regressions revealed that after controlling for demographics, neuroticism and impulse-system levels at Time 1 positively predicted emerging NSSI behavior, and similarly, higher neuroticism and impulsivity and lower self-control at Time 1 predicted sustained NSSI behavior. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlighted the aggravated impact of the COVID-19 on NSSI, and suggested that individual neuroticism, impulsivity, and self-control traits might be crucial for the development of NSSI behavior among adolescent students.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lu-Jiao-Zi Wang
- Department of Psychology, School of Medical Humanitarians, Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Yunyan District, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Yan Lan
- Department of Psychology, School of Medical Humanitarians, Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Yunyan District, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Su-Jiao Liu
- Department of Psychology, School of Medical Humanitarians, Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Yunyan District, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Wan-Sen Yan
- Department of Psychology, School of Medical Humanitarians, Guizhou Medical University, 9 Beijing Road, Yunyan District, Guiyang, 550004, China.
- Guizhou Research Institute for Health Development, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lu G, Hu S, Zhang Y, Chen J, Yuan Y, Gong X, Zhang Y. Analysis of Influencing Factors of Psychological Intervention on International Students in China after COVID-19: Hainan Province, China. Am J Health Behav 2022; 46:606-617. [PMID: 36721287 DOI: 10.5993/ajhb.46.6.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: In the post-covid-19 era, students face numerous mental health-related effects. Returning to Chinese institutions, international students in China experienced mental health issues (anxiety and stress). These overseas students' psychological issues are obstacles to their academic performance in China. Students' fear restructured their ability to think critically and execute effectively. Consequently, the framework of this study is intended to emphasize the beneficial effects of offline activities, physical activity, and classroom activities on reducing anxiety among international students in China. Methods: This study is predicated on survey data acquired using a five-point Likert scale. 317 responses were received from overseas students enrolled in Hainan universities. Results: The findings show that offline, physical, and classroom activities substantially impact the anxiety reduction of overseas students in China. The study's contribution to the literature is a fresh concept that previous research has not addressed. In addition, this research has significant theoretical and practical consequences for both knowledge and findings. Conclusion: The study has given a paradigm for relieving anxiety among overseas students in China by addressing a research gap. Meanwhile, this study's limitations provide a roadmap for researching further areas of literature in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guo Lu
- Lu Guo, College of traditional Chinese medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Song Hu
- Song Hu, College of Business Administration, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Manila, Philippines
| | - Yichen Zhang
- Yichen Zhang, Department of Biology, Shenzhen MSU-BIT University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiao Chen
- Jiao Chen, School of international education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yong Yuan
- School of international education, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Xun Gong
- Gong Xun, Xi'an Innovation College of Yan'an University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yidan Zhang
- Zhang Yidan, College of traditional Chinese medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China;,
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
De Luca L, Giletta M, Nocentini A, Menesini E. Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescence: The Role of Pre-Existing Vulnerabilities and COVID-19-Related Stress. J Youth Adolesc 2022; 51:2383-2395. [PMID: 35986870 PMCID: PMC9392436 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-022-01669-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AbstractFor many adolescents, the COVID-19 pandemic represents a uniquely challenging period, and concerns have been raised about whether COVID-19-related stress may increase the risk for self-injurious behaviors among adolescents. This study examined the impact of pre-existing vulnerabilities on the occurrence and frequency of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) through COVID-19-related stress, and whether the impact of COVID-19-related stress on NSSI was buffered by the perceived social support during the pandemic. Participants were 1061 adolescents (52.40% females; Mage = 15.49 years, SD = 0.76) from a two-wave longitudinal study, which included assessments before the COVID-19 onset and one year later the declaration of the pandemic. Path analyses showed that adolescents with a prior history of NSSI, higher levels of internalizing symptoms, and poor regulatory emotional self-efficacy before the COVID-19 pandemic reported higher levels of COVID-19-related stress which in turn increased their risk to engage in NSSI. Besides, the findings did not support the role of social support as a moderator of the association between COVID-19 related stress and the occurrence/frequency of NSSI. These findings suggest that enhanced stress perception may serve as a key pathway for the continuation and development of NSSI among vulnerable adolescents facing adverse life events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa De Luca
- Department of Education, Languages, Intercultures, Literatures and Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Matteo Giletta
- Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annalaura Nocentini
- Department of Education, Languages, Intercultures, Literatures and Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ersilia Menesini
- Department of Education, Languages, Intercultures, Literatures and Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|