Harsh parenting and non-suicidal self-injury in adolescence: the mediating effect of depressive symptoms and the moderating effect of the COMT Val158Met polymorphism

Jinmeng Liu,Hui Wang,Yemiao Gao,Xia Liu

doi:10.1186/s13034-021-00423-0

Jinmeng Liu, Hui Wang + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-021-00423-0

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Abstract

BackgroundPrevious studies have suggested that negative parenting environments, especially harsh parenting, are a specific risk factor for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). However, the potential mechanism between harsh parenting and NSSI has not been explored. Based on the experiential avoidance model and empirical research, we aimed to examine whether depressive symptoms are a mediator between harsh parenting and NSSI. Moreover, the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism related to depressive symptoms may also exert a moderating effect on NSSI; thus, the interaction between harsh parenting and COMT was also considered in our study.MethodsA total of 373 junior high school students were recruited for the study by using a longitudinal design. The adolescents answered self-report questionnaires and provided saliva samples for DNA genotyping.ResultsThe results revealed that harsh parenting was positively associated with NSSI after 24 months, and this association was mediated by depressive symptoms. Moreover, the moderating role of COMT in the direct and indirect effects of harsh parenting on NSSI was observed only among adolescents with two Val alleles and the relationship was not significant for Met carriers.ConclusionsGenetic variations of COMT Val158Met may be a critical candidate in understanding the development of depression and NSSI. We conclude that Val homozygotes of the COMT Val158Met polymorphism play a role in susceptibility to both depressive symptoms and NSSI.

Highlights

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) refers to the deliberate and direct destruction of one’s own body tissue without conscious suicidal intent [1]
Using a three-wave longitudinal design, the current study aimed to explore the role of depressive symptoms and the COMT Val158Met polymorphism in the relationship between harsh parenting and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI)
Descriptive statistics and correlations The allele distribution of the COMT Val158Met polymorphisms was 202 Val/Val individuals (94 male, 108 female), 148 Val/Met (66 male, 82 female) and 23 Met/ Met individuals (12 male, 11 female), representing distributions previously observed in Asian samples

Summary

Introduction

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) refers to the deliberate and direct destruction of one’s own body tissue without conscious suicidal intent [1]. Victor et al [11] emphasized that harsh parenting, such as shouting, swearing, and spanking, predicted increased odds of subsequent adolescent NSSI onset in a longitudinal design. Previous research has investigated the linkage between harsh parenting and NSSI in Western countries [12, 13], research into this issue is still rare in China. Considering the cultural differences, it is necessary to further investigate the relationship between harsh parenting and NSSI in China. Previous studies have suggested that negative parenting environments, especially harsh parenting, are a specific risk factor for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). The catecholO-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism related to depressive symptoms may exert a moderating effect on NSSI; the interaction between harsh parenting and COMT was considered in our study

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