Childhood maltreatment and non-suicidal self-injury in prisoners: the mediating role of psychopathy and moderating role of cognitive reappraisal

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a serious health concern in prison populations. Most previous research in prisons has examined lifetime engagement in NSSI, but less is known about correlates and risk factors during imprisonment. Using Nock's integrated theoretical model as a conceptual framework, the present study tested the mediation effect of psychopathy and the moderation effect of cognitive reappraisal skills in the association between childhood maltreatment and NSSI in prisoners. A total of 1042 Chinese male prisoners anonymously completed measures of childhood maltreatment, psychopathy and cognitive reappraisal, and their NSSI was assessed through structured interviews. Regression based tests of the conceptual model showed that childhood maltreatment was significantly associated with NSSI in prisoners, and this association was mediated by psychopathy. Cognitive reappraisal moderated the relationship between psychopathy and NSSI. Specifically, the relationship between psychopathy and NSSI was significant for prisoners with low levels of cognitive reappraisal but non-significant for those with high levels of cognitive reappraisal. These findings highlight the need to consider environmental and intrapersonal factors simultaneously when evaluating risks associated with NSSI in prison populations, and can inform prevention and intervention programs in prison settings.