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Transmission of pain? The impact of childhood trauma on children’s non-suicidal self-injury: The chain mediating roles of parent–child attachment and self-compassion

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  • Wang, Menglan
  • Ding, Wan
  • Liu, Jingning
  • Wu, Lixia
  • Wen, Ke
  • Xie, Ruibo

Abstract

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among school-age children has raised significant concern and is closely associated with childhood maltreatment.However, limited research has explored how different trauma subtypes influence NSSI through children’s internal working models—namely, their relationships with parents and with themselves.Using a three-wave longitudinal design, this study assessed childhood trauma, parent–child attachment, self-compassion and NSSI in 698 Chinese children (MT1age = 9.54, SDT1age = 0.67, 64.3 % boys). Results indicated emotional neglect predicted NSSI through reduced self-compassion. Emotional neglect and physical abuse also indirectly influenced NSSI via weakened father-child attachment and lower self-compassion. No direct paths were found between trauma subtypes and NSSI. These findings highlight the need to repair damaged parent–child bonds and enhance self-compassion in trauma-exposed children, emphasizing key targets for early developmental intervention.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Menglan & Ding, Wan & Liu, Jingning & Wu, Lixia & Wen, Ke & Xie, Ruibo, 2026. "Transmission of pain? The impact of childhood trauma on children’s non-suicidal self-injury: The chain mediating roles of parent–child attachment and self-compassion," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 180(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:180:y:2026:i:c:s0190740925005389
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108655
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