Differential pathways from childhood maltreatment types to non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents with depressive disorders: a serial mediation model

Background

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is prevalent among adolescents with depressive disorders, with childhood maltreatment (CM) as a key risk factor. However, how distinct CM types differentially influence NSSI risk in this population remains unclear. Moreover, emotion dysregulation and depressive symptoms have rarely been tested together as serial mediators within a single model. This study examined the serial mediating effects of emotion dysregulation and depressive symptoms linking five CM types to NSSI and compared their distinct pathways.