Negative Emotions and Self-Injurious Behavior Among Juvenile Detainees: A Dual Moderated Mediation Model

The study aimed to identify the psychological factors affecting self-injurious behaviour among juvenile detainees by the indirect effect of negative emotions on self-injurious behaviour through urge to self-injury. Based on a dual moderated mediation framework, the research explored the indirect effect of negative on self-injury through self-injury impulse, and the moderating roles of self-injury belief and self-injury ideation in this pathway. Data were collected via structured self-report questionnaires among juveniles in detention facilities in South Korea(N=455). The hypothesized model was tested using PROCESS Macro Model 60. The results indicated that negative emotions (depression, anxiety, and anger) exerted significant indirect effects on self-injurious behavior via self-injury urge. Moreover, the strength of these indirect effects varied depending on the levels of self-injury belief. These findings suggest that self-injury belief functions as a cognitive moderator that intensify the pathway from negative emotions to self-injury urge and self-injurious behaviour. By empirically presenting an integrated mechanism involving emotional, impulsive, and cognitive factors, this study provides foundational data for developing more effective prevention and intervention strategies targeting self-injurious behaviors in juvenile detainees.