Objectives
Interpersonal and intrapersonal factors have been linked to adolescent non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). However, little is known about their interrelationship and the underlying mechanisms behind these associations from a protective perspective. The present study aimed to explore the reciprocal relationship between self-compassion, perceived social support, and adolescent NSSI while considering self-compassion and perceived social support as intrapersonal and interpersonal protective resources.
Method
A sample of 1214 secondary school students (60.7% boys; average age at the start of the study was 15.46 ± 0.71) participated in the study. We conducted a three-wave longitudinal study and assessed adolescent self-compassion, perceived social support, and NSSI using self-report questionnaires.
Results
Self-compassion and perceived social support predicted lower adolescent NSSI, which in turn predicted lower self-compassion and perceived social support. Additionally, the results showed a positive interaction between self-compassion and perceived social support over time.
Conclusions
These findings revealed that providing protective resources from both intrapersonal and interpersonal sources, such as fostering self-compassion and increasing perceived social support, may contribute to the prevention and intervention about adolescent NSSI. Results from this sample highlight the positive interconnections between self-compassion and perceived social support that future intervention programs can leverage as a way to reduce the potential long-term adverse effects of adolescent self-injury.