Impulsivity mediates the association between parenting styles and self-harm in Chinese adolescents

Abstract Background Parenting styles are significantly associated with self-harm (SH) in adolescents. Nevertheless, little is known about the mechanism underlying this association. This study primarily aimed to evaluate potential mediating role of impulsivity association between parenting and SH Chinese Methods Self-administered questionnaires were used conduct a survey among sample population consisting 3146 adolescents southwest China. Logistic regression analyses performed styles, impulsivity, SH. A path model investigation further examined terms Results The age range participants was 10 17 years old. prevalence 47.0% (95% CI: 36.3–58.0%). Impulsivity, less paternal emotional warmth, maternal over-protection, rejection identified as salient mediator, accounting for 23.4% total hypothesized indicated differences fathers mothers: Impulsivity played significant role, though only respect over-protection paths. Conclusions For children who experience harsher style, impulsivity-centered intervention measures might be effective reducing related styles.