Interpersonal Psychological Group Therapy for Parents Improves Self-Injurious Behavior and Family Intimacy in Non-Suicidal Self-Injurious Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Study

Objective This study aimed to assess the efficacy of combining adolescent treatment as usual (TAU) with interpersonal psychological group therapy (IPT-G) for parents in adolescents with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). The primary focus was to compare this combined intervention with TAU alone, particularly examining its effects on parental interpersonal relationships, family cohesion, and the frequency of adolescent self-injury.Methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted from August 2023 to May 2024. Participants included 64 adolescents aged 10 to 18 years, diagnosed with NSSI, and one parent per adolescent. The intervention group received TAU for adolescents and IPT-G for parents, while the control group received only TAU. Data were collected using the Ottawa Self-Injury Scale, Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales II-Chinese Version, and the Quality of Social Relationships Scale at baseline, post-intervention, and 1-month follow-up. Statistical analysis involved chi-square tests, independent samples t-tests, and repeated measures analysis of variance.Results Ultimately, 48 participants completed the study. The IPT-G group showed significant improvements compared to the TAU group in family intimacy and adaptability, interpersonal relationships, and a substantial reduction in adolescent self-injury frequency (all p<0.05) at post-intervention and follow-up assessments.Conclusion The combined treatment of TAU and IPT-G for parents is effective in reducing self-injury behaviors in adolescents, enhancing family cohesion, and improving parental interpersonal relationships. This approach highlights the importance of parental involvement in managing adolescent NSSI and offers promising implications for future treatments. Further studies with larger samples and extended follow-up periods are recommended to assess long-term outcomes.