Childhood Trauma and Self-Harm in Chinese Teens
Author Information
Author(s): He Yitong MS, Jiang Weiqing MS, Wang Wanxin PhD, Liu Qianyu MS, Peng Shuyi MS, Guo Lan PhD
Primary Institution: Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
Hypothesis
Are adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) associated with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) or suicidality among Chinese adolescents, and does a supportive school environment modify such associations?
Conclusion
Exposure to adverse childhood experiences increases the risk of nonsuicidal self-injury and suicidality among Chinese adolescents, but supportive school environments can help mitigate these risks.
Supporting Evidence
- 47.3% of participants had experienced at least 1 adverse childhood experience.
- Supportive school environments were associated with lower risks of NSSI and suicidality.
- Emotional abuse was linked to a significant increase in the risk of NSSI.
Takeaway
Kids who have tough childhoods are more likely to hurt themselves or think about suicide, but having a supportive school can help them feel better.
Methodology
This cross-sectional study used data from the 2021 School-Based Chinese Adolescents Health Survey, involving self-reported questionnaires from adolescents in grades 7 to 12 across 326 schools in China.
Potential Biases
Potential recall bias due to self-reported data on ACEs and mental health outcomes.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits causal conclusions, and reliance on self-reported data may introduce recall bias.
Participant Demographics
The sample included 95,549 adolescents aged 11-21 years, with a mean age of 14.9 years and a gender distribution of 49.8% male and 50.2% female.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 1.30-1.33 for NSSI; 95% CI, 1.39-1.42 for suicidal ideation; 95% CI, 1.24-1.27 for suicide attempts.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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