45-3 The Effect of Family Function on Nonsuicidal Self-Injury among Senior High School Students: The Mediating Role of Alexithymia

The present study aimed to understand the prevalence of nonsuicidal self-injury among senior high school students and to investigate the effect of family function and alexithymia in predicting nonsuicidal self-injury. In addition, we examined the mediating role of alexithymia in the relationship between family function and nonsuicidal self-injury. This study recruited 2170 senior high school students through stratified (high school and technical school) and clustered (class as unit) sampling (high school students: 51.94%; females 52.13%). Administered questionnaires included the short-form of Family Function Scale, 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Scale. Findings showed the following: (1) 20.49 % (95% confidence interval: 18.79%-22.19%) of the participants reported that they had nonsuicidal self-injury within twelve months; females showed significantly higher percentage than males. (2) Poor family function significantly predicted nonsuicidal self-injury. (3) Alexithymia significantly predicted nonsuicidal self-injury. (4) Poor family function significantly predicted alexithymia; and (5) Alexithymia mediated the relationship between poor family function and nonsuicidal self-injury. Findings from the present study provided suggestions and a reference for schools and guidance counselors, as well as for future research.

Keywords
 alexithymia ; family function ; mediator ; nonsuicidal self-injury ; senior high school students

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