Longitudinal Relationship Between Self-Disgust and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Among Adolescents: The Chain Mediating Roles of Depression and Psychache

Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2026 Jan;56(1):e70073. doi: 10.1111/sltb.70073.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is recognized as a global public health concern among adolescents. Although some studies have explored the relationship between self-disgust and NSSI, the discussion remains limited, and the underlying mechanisms have yet to be fully elucidated. This study examined the longitudinal effects of self-disgust on NSSI, as well as the potential indirect effects of depression and psychache on this relationship.

METHODS: A total of 832 Chinese adolescents participated in a two-wave longitudinal study with a six-month interval. The structural equation model was used to investigate the chain mediating roles of depression and psychache in the relationship between self-disgust and NSSI.

RESULTS: The findings indicated that higher levels of self-disgust were predictive of NSSI 6 months later. The higher levels of depression were predictive of psychache 6 months later. Additionally, depression and psychache played chain mediating roles in the relationship between self-disgust and NSSI.

CONCLUSIONS: This longitudinal study provides evidence that self-disgust may contribute to adolescent NSSI by promoting depression and exacerbating psychache. These findings highlight the importance of addressing self-disgust in prevention and intervention strategies aimed at reducing NSSI risk among adolescents.

PMID:41510903 | DOI:10.1111/sltb.70073