Front Psychiatry. 2026 Jul 13;17:1758127. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1758127. eCollection 2026.
ABSTRACT
AIM: This study aimed to analyze the influencing factors of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents with depression.
METHODS: This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) for observational studies on factors influencing NSSI behavior in adolescents with depression published between 1 January 2010 and 7 May 2026. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analyses were performed in RevMan 5.4 using mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals. Between-study heterogeneity was evaluated using the χ² test and I² statistic, and fixed- or random-effects models were applied as appropriate.
RESULTS: In total, 11 studies were included, involving 529 patients in the study group and 1,716 patients in the control group. The meta-analysis showed that, compared with the control group, the study group had significantly higher scores for interpersonal problems, negative emotions, alexithymia, and negative self-esteem [MD = 5.88, 95% CI (3.19, 8.57), P < 0.001], somatic symptom scores [MD = 5.20, 95% CI (-0.03, 10.43), P = 0.05], emotional deficit [MD = 6.82, 95% CI (0.32, 13.31), P = 0.04], Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores [MD = 2.97, 95% CI (1.76, 4.18), P < 0.001], emotional abuse [MD = 2.10, 95% CI (1.06, 3.13), P < 0.001], physical abuse [MD = 0.64, 95% CI (0.08, 1.20), P = 0.025], sexual abuse [MD = 0.27, 95% CI (0.12, 0.42), P < 0.001], emotional neglect [MD = 1.67, 95% CI (0.37, 2.97), P = 0.009], physical neglect [MD = 0.81, 95% CI (0.43, 1.19), P < 0.001], and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire total scores [MD = 8.93, 95% CI (3.63, 14.24), P < 0.001].
CONCLUSION: Adolescents with depressive disorders and NSSI tend to exhibit more severe depressive symptoms, maladaptive emotional regulation patterns, negative coping styles, and higher levels of childhood trauma exposure than those without NSSI. These psychosocial and emotional factors may play important roles in the occurrence and maintenance of NSSI behaviors. Early psychological assessment and targeted intervention may help reduce the risk of NSSI in adolescents with depressive disorders.
PMID:42517137 | PMC:PMC13403629 | DOI:10.3389/fpsyt.2026.1758127
