The Relationship Between Depression and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: The Mediating Roles of Distress Intolerance and Perceived Social Support, the Moderating Role of Gender

Abstract

ABSTRACT Depression has a substantial effect on non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). The present study investigates the mediating effects of distress intolerance and perceived social support in the relationship between depression and NSSI, and the moderator effect of gender in this relationship. One of which is the risk factor and the other is the protective factor. In total, 533 university students (% 70 female) were examined. The brief NSSI assessment tool was used to assess NSSI. Depressive symptoms were examined in DASS21, and Distress Intolerance Scale was used to examine tolerance toward negative emotions. Finally, the Perceived Social Support scale was used to assess perceived social support. The current study investigated the prevalence of NSSI was 76,2%. To analyze hypothesis of the study, Structural Equation Model (SEM) was used. Results of this analysis show that distress intolerance has a positive mediator role and perceived social support has a buffer mediator role in the relationship between depression and NSSI. Also, gender has a moderator role in the relationship between depression and NSSI. The findings of the study revealed that depression and distress intolerance are important risks for NSSI, and perceived social support is protective. This study improves understanding of mechanisms involved in NSSI by interrelating significant personal and social risk and protective factors. The clinical application of these findings was also discussed.