Teens and Depression: How Rumination and Resilience Affect Self-Harm

Adolescence is a time of significant change, and with it comes a range of emotions like depression and anxiety. One concerning trend is the rise of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among teens with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). A recent study in China looked into this issue, focusing on the role of rumination and resilience. The study involved 1, 601 teens with MDD, aged around 14. 85 years, from various hospitals across nine provinces. These teens completed questionnaires about their experiences with NSSI, how much they ruminate, their feelings of loneliness, and their resilience.The results showed that constant brooding or rumination can lead to NSSI through feelings of loneliness. However, resilience can act as a shield, reducing the negative impact of rumination on self-harm. This means that helping teens feel less lonely and more resilient could be key to preventing NSSI. Understanding these mechanisms can help predict and prevent NSSI, making it easier for teens to handle the emotional ups and downs of adolescence.