Minutes

Cheng, L., Wang, L., Lin, J., & Chen, J. (2025). Exploring the mediating role of self-hate in the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and non-suicidal self-injury among adolescents. Journal of Affective Disorders, 373, 60–66.

Why do some teens cope with emotional pain by hurting themselves, like cutting or burning skin?  

Chinese researchers aimed to understand whether adverse childhood experiences relate to self-hate and to non-suicidal self-injury. They had over 7,000 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18, from middle and high schools, complete confidential online questionnaires. These measured self-hate and non-suicidal self-injury, plus adverse childhood experiences.  These included sexual or physical abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction like domestic violence, parental separation/divorce, or household members with substance abuse problems, mental illness, or involved in the criminal justice system. 

Results? Adolescents who reported more early adversity also reported higher levels of self-hate and a greater likelihood of self-injury. Adverse childhood experiences related to both forms of non-suicidal self-injury - behaviors with and without visible tissue damage. The findings suggest that self-hate is an important part of this connection, linking early adversity to a higher risk of self-harming behavior. 

Parents! If you have personal difficulties, consider seeking therapy. Address your own issues and learn how to be a loving, caring parent. Then, your children will more likely grow up with more positive feelings about themselves and be less likely to harm themselves.  

Written by Kristin M. Harris, Ph.D.