Abstract
BACKGROUND: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is closely linked to various psychological problems and is prevalent among Chinese college students. NSSI urge refers to the strong desire to engage in NSSI and is recognised as a key predictor of NSSI, serving as an important target for NSSI intervention. This study aimed to investigate the association between family functioning and NSSI urges among Chinese college students to offer insights into the development of interventions for NSSI. METHODS: Two follow-up surveys at a 6-month interval were conducted with a cohort of 1,531 college students. The instruments used were the Chinese versions of the Family Functioning Scale, Alexian Brothers Urge to Self-Injure Scale, Ego Depletion Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, and Growth Mindset Scale. NSSI urges and the growth mindset were assessed only at T2. RESULTS: The findings revealed a significant negative correlation between family functioning and NSSI urges in college students. After controlling for variables such as gender and age, depression had a significant independent mediating effect (indirect effect = - 0.056, 95% CI [-0.084, - 0.036]); ego depletion and depression showed a chain mediating effect (i.e., indirect path through ego depletion and depression, indirect effect = - 0.037, 95% CI [-0.056, - 0.025]). The growth mindset moderated the latter half of the pathway of 'Family Functioning → Depression → NSSI urges' (interaction β = - 0.16). CONCLUSIONS: The study highlighted the role of family functioning in influencing NSSI urges, with ego depletion and depression serving as chain mediators. These findings provide theoretical and empirical evidence for formulating NSSI interventions that enhance college students' family functioning, reduce ego depletion and depression, and boost the growth mindset.