What the study found
Distinct profiles of harsh parenting were associated with non-suicidal self-injury (self-harm without suicidal intent) in young adults, and these associations were linked indirectly through parental alienation and core self-evaluation.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that identifying profile-specific risk patterns may inform tailored intervention efforts related to non-suicidal self-injury among young adults.
What the researchers tested
The study followed 5,742 college students over three waves separated by three-month intervals. The researchers used latent profile analysis to identify different harsh parenting profiles and profile-specific serial mediation analysis to examine whether parental alienation and core self-evaluation explained the associations with non-suicidal self-injury.
What worked and what didn't
Three profiles were identified: consistently high harsh parenting, medium harsh parenting, and low harsh parenting. Across all profiles, harsh parenting showed indirect associations with non-suicidal self-injury through parental alienation and core self-evaluation, although the magnitude and specific indirect pathways differed by profile.
What to keep in mind
The abstract describes convenience sampling of college students, so the findings are based on that group. The available summary does not describe additional limitations.
Key points
- Three harsh parenting profiles were identified: consistently high, medium, and low.
- The study found indirect associations between harsh parenting and non-suicidal self-injury across all profiles.
- Parental alienation and core self-evaluation were part of the statistical pathway linking harsh parenting to non-suicidal self-injury.
- The magnitude and specific indirect pathways differed by parenting profile.
- The sample included 5,742 college students followed across three waves over nine months.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Harsh parenting profiles were linked to non-suicidal self-injury
- Authors:
- Meng Bai, Xiaoqiong Li, Xueqi Yang
- Institutions:
- Henan Normal University, Renmin University of China, South China Normal University, Zhejiang Tongji Vocational College of Science and Technology
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-05
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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