The roles of negative mood, impulsivity, and executive dysfunction in non-suicidal self-injury behaviors among Chinese middle school students

Background Previous studies have identified negative mood, impulsivity, and executive dysfunction as potential risk factors for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents. However, the interplay of these factors and their gender-specific effects on NSSI remain unclear. Methods In 2023, a sample of 1084 middle school students (M-age = 13.33; N-boy=574, N-girl=510) completed psychological assessments measuring negative mood, impulsivity, executive dysfunction, and NSSI thoughts and behaviors over the past year. Results (1) All variables were significantly correlated (all p values < 0.05); (2) Negative mood (beta = 0.007, p = 0.002 for boys; beta = 0.408, p < 0.001 for girls) and executive dysfunction (beta = 0.209, p < 0.001 for boys; beta = 0.124, p = 0.041 for girls) significantly predicted NSSI thoughts in both genders, whereas impulsivity showed no predictive effect; (3) Gender differences emerged in NSSI behaviors: negative mood (beta = 0.395, p < 0.001) and impulsivity (beta = 0.132, p = 0.005) were significant predictors among girls, whereas executive dysfunction (beta = 0.200, p < 0.001) was a strong predictor among boys; (4) Impulsivity moderated the association between NSSI thoughts and NSSI behaviors in girls (beta = 0.562, p < 0.001), but not in boys (beta = -0.079, p = 0.390). Conclusion The influencing factors of NSSI behaviors exhibit notable gender differences. Tailored interventions should prioritize negative mood and impulsivity in girls, while addressing executive dysfunction in boys. Additionally, girls with high impulsivity and NSSI thoughts warrant closer monitoring, as they may be at a greater risk of engaging in NSSI behaviors.