The Influence of Dark Triad Traits on Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Among Left-Behind Adolescents: A Moderated Mediation Model

This study explores the relationship model among the dark triad traits, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behavior in adolescents, negative life events, and depression. A moderated mediation model was tested among 224 middle school students with left-behind experience in Inner Monolgia. These students were surveyed using the Dirty Dozen Dark Triad Measure, the Adolescent Self-Harm scale, the Adolescent Self—Rating Life Events Checklist, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. The dark triad traits had a significant positive predictive effect on NSSI behavior among adolescents with left-behind experience and indirectly influenced NSSI behavior through negative life events. The second half of the mediation path of “the dark triad traits → negative life events → NSSI behavior” was moderated by depression. The influence of the dark triad traits on NSSI behavior is exerted through negative life events, and the relationship between negative life events and NSSI behavior is moderated by depression.