Maternal Autistic Traits and Mentalization in Adolescent Non-suicidal Self-Injury: A Case-Control Study

ObjectiveNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is frequently linked to dysfunctional family dynamics. While certain parental characteristics have been identified as risk factors, specific maternal social-cognitive traits remain underinvestigated. This study aimed to examine autistic traits and mentalization skills in biological mothers of adolescents engaging in NSSI.MethodsThe sample consisted of 100 female adolescents divided into three groups: Suicide Attempt and NSSI (n = 34), NSSI-only (n = 41), and healthy controls (n = 25). Biological mothers completed the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), The Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and the Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET). Adolescents completed a semi-structured psychiatric interview, the Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. ANCOVA controlled for socioeconomic confounders.ResultsMothers of adolescents in both clinical groups exhibited significantly lower RMET scores compared to the control group. This deficit remained significant even after controlling for potential confounders such as household income and maternal smoking. While Total AQ scores did not differ between groups, mothers in the clinical groups showed specific deficits in the social skills subscale. Importantly, adolescents who attempted suicide reported significantly higher "interpersonal influence" scores regarding the function of self-harm compared to the NSSI-only group.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that specific maternal deficits in mentalization and social skills may contribute to an invalidating family environment, thereby increasing adolescent vulnerability to self-harm behavior. Furthermore, the results highlight the importance of addressing maternal cognitive-emotional factors in assessment and intervention strategies.