Association Between Impulsivity, Depression, and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Youths: A Study Combining Variable-Centered and Person-Centered Approaches

Youth represents a critical transitional phase from adolescence to adulthood, characterized by significant psychological changes and challenges. Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), defined as the intentional harm to one’s body tissue without suicidal intent, is increasingly conceptualized as a transdiagnostic entity that often emerges during this period. This study examines the combined effects of impulsivity and depression on NSSI in youths from both variable-centered and person-centered approaches. A total of 2,292 university students were recruited for this study, in which we performed moderation and latent profile analyses. The results indicated that impulsivity and depression interact to significantly influence NSSI. Specifically, high levels of impulsivity and depression were associated with elevated NSSI scores. Furthermore, latent profile analysis identified four subtypes of impulsivity-depression, with the “high impulsivity-high depression” type exhibiting the most severe NSSI. These findings highlight the importance of considering both impulsivity and depression in understanding and preventing NSSI among youths.