Rejection Sensitivity and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury among In-School Adolescents: Chain Mediation of Bullying Victimization and Loneliness

Introduction: In the present study, the relationship between rejection sensitivity and Non-Suicidal Self-Injurious (NSSI) behaviors has been documented. However, few studies have examined the mechanisms leading to NSSI. This study tested whether bullying victimization and loneliness function as serial mediators of the association between rejection sensitivity and NSSI among in-school adolescents. Method: A total of ۳۰۰ students (۱۶۱ girls, ۱۳۹ boys; ages ۱۳-۱۶; grades ۷-۹) in Birjand, Iran were selected through convenience sampling. Participants completed Persian-validated versions of the Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (RSQ), the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire (OBVQ), the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA), and the Self-Harm Inventory (SHI). Mediation analyses were conducted using SPSS and Hayes’ PROCESS macro. Results: The direct effect of rejection sensitivity on NSSI was not significant (β = ۰.۰۲, ۹۵% CI: -۰.۰۰۱ to ۰.۰۵۵), while the total indirect effect was significant (β = ۰.۱۳, ۹۵% CI: ۰.۰۷ to ۰.۲۰). Specifically, rejection sensitivity influenced NSSI indirectly via bullying victimization (β = ۰.۰۸, ۹۵% CI: ۰.۰۴ to ۰.۱۴۶), accounting for ۶۴.۹% of the total indirect effect. The pathway through loneliness alone was non-significant (β = ۰.۰۲, ۹۵% CI: - ۰.۰۰۶ to ۰.۰۵), whereas the serial mediation pathway was significant (β = ۰.۰۲, ۹۵% CI: ۰.۰۰۹ to ۰.۰۴), representing ۱۷.۲% of the total indirect effect. Conclusion: These findings indicate that adolescents with heightened rejection sensitivity are more vulnerable to peer victimization, which can increase feelings of loneliness and subsequently elevate the risk of NSSI. The results underscore the importance of implementing school-based anti-bullying programs, strengthening supportive peer relationships, and providing targeted socio-emotional interventions for students who exhibit rejection sensitivity.

کلیدواژه ها:

adolescence ، rejection sensitivity ، Non-suicidal self-injury ، Bullying Victimization ، Loneliness