Assessing non-suicidal self-injury: The predictive role of perceived parental attitudes and personality organization

As research started to differentiate Nonsuicidal Self Injury (NSSI) from suicidal behaviors and to recognize it beyond being merely a symptom of specific diagnoses or a result of trauma histories, NSSI is now seen as a distinct clinical phenomenon. This study aimed to explore the role of perceived parental attitudes and personality organizations on the functions of NSSI. For this purpose, a total of 194 participants aged between 25 and 40, reporting no history of suicide attempts, were recruited via online platforms. Data were collected using a sociodemographic information form, the EMBU (My Memories of Upbringing) scale, the Inventory of Personality Organization (IPO), and the Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury (ISAS). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that both personality organization and perceived maternal overprotection significantly predicted NSSI functions, whereas perceived paternal overprotection and perceived parental rejection did not. Among the significant predictors, personality organization emerged as the strongest predictor. The results were discussed in light of the existing literature; clinical implications were considered and suggestions for future research were provided. Keywords: Non-suicidal self-injury, perceived parental attitudes, overprotection, rejection, personality organization