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Exploring the Reciprocal Relations between Nonsuicidal Self-Injury, Negative Emotions and Relationship Problems in Chinese Adolescents: A Longitudinal Cross-Lag Study

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Abstract

The present study explored the reciprocal relations between nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), negative emotions and relationship problems in a community sample of 2,435 (57.6% females) Chinese adolescents. Participants completed measures assessing 12 NSSI behaviors, three negative emotions (depression, anxiety and tension), and relationship problems at two time points over a 6-month period. A longitudinal cross-lag analysis was used to test the reciprocal relations among the studied variables. Results showed that after controlling for their initial associations, NSSI significantly predicted negative emotions over time but not vice versa, and relationship problems significantly predicted NSSI over time but not vice versa. Theoretical and clinical implications of these findings were discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China

    Jianing You, Freedom Leung & Kei Fu

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  1. Jianing You
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  2. Freedom Leung
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  3. Kei Fu
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Correspondence to Freedom Leung.

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You, J., Leung, F. & Fu, K. Exploring the Reciprocal Relations between Nonsuicidal Self-Injury, Negative Emotions and Relationship Problems in Chinese Adolescents: A Longitudinal Cross-Lag Study. J Abnorm Child Psychol 40, 829–836 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-011-9597-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-011-9597-0

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