The Influence of Social Rejection on Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Among Chinese Adolescents: A Longitudinal Moderated Mediation Model

Social rejection is a risk factor for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents. However, little is known about the longitudinal mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying the relationship between social rejection and NSSI. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of anxiety and depression symptoms between social rejection and NSSI, as well as the moderating role of self-esteem among adolescents. A total of 1368 Chinese middle school students (60% boys, n = 821; 40% girls, n = 547; Mage = 16.05 years, SD = 0.85 at T1) participated in the study. They completed measures of social rejection, NSSI, anxiety and depression symptoms, and self-esteem over three waves (T1, T2, and T3), each six months apart. Longitudinal mediation models indicated that T1 social rejection is linked to T3 NSSI by predicting higher levels of T2 anxiety and depression symptoms. Additionally, T2 self-esteem moderates this indirect effect; specifically, the association between social rejection and anxiety and depression is significant only in adolescents with low self-esteem. These findings underscore the importance of addressing anxiety and depression symptoms and enhancing adolescent self-esteem in the prevention and intervention of NSSI.