Relationship between adolescent Internet addiction and adolescent non-suicidal self-injury: A moderated mediation model

Abstract

Abstract Background: Both internet addiction and non-suicidal self-injury are major public health concerns among adolescents, association between internet addiction and non-suicidal self-injury have been observed among adolescents. However, it is unclear how, and under what conditions, internet addiction relates to non-suicidal self-injury. Therefore, this study aimed to construct a moderated mediation model to examine the roles of loneliness and cognitive reappraisal in the relationship between internet addiction and non-suicidal self-injury among Chinese adolescents. Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1046 Chinese adolescents. They were asked to complete self-report questionnaires. The questionnaires assessed IA, NSSI, loneliness and cognitive reappraisal. Results: IA was positively associated with NSSI, and loneliness partially mediated the association between them. In addition, cognitive reappraisal moderated the first half path of the mediation model. Specifically, the higher the level of cognitive reappraisal, the weaker the positive effect of IA on NSSI through loneliness. Conclusion: Interventions targeted to reduce loneliness and increase cognitive reappraisal strategies may reduce the risk of NSSI in adolescents with Internet addiction.