The protective effects of meaning in life on the relationships between attachment anxiety, rumination, and nonsuicidal self-injury: A moderated mediation model

Abstract

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI), which refers to the direct and deliberate destruction of one’s body tissues without the intention of death, is a serious public health problem. Attachment anxiety is an important predictor of NSSI, but the underlying mechanisms between their relationship need to be further explored. This study examined the mediating role of rumination and the moderating role of meaning in life in the relationship between attachment anxiety and NSSI. MethodsThe study was cross-sectional, and 2,716 Chinese junior high school students (53.3 % male; Mage = 12.25 years, SD = 0.86) were measured by the attachment anxiety subscale of Experience of Close Relationships-Relationship Structures Scale, the Rumination Responses Scale, the Self-Injurious Behavior Assessment Questionnaire, and the Meaning in Life Questionnaire. ResultsThe results showed: (1) attachment anxiety, rumination and NSSI were significantly and positively correlated; (2) rumination partially mediated the relationship between attachment anxiety and NSSI; (3) meaning in life moderated the pathways of attachment anxiety → NSSI and rumination → NSSI respectively. ConclusionsFindings of the study further reveal the mechanism underlying the relationship between attachment anxiety and NSSI from a cognitive perspective, and also help provide ideas for the prevention and intervention of adolescents NSSI (i.e., improving adolescents’ meaning in life).