Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Transgender and Non-Binary Adolescents and Young Adults: The Protective Role of Self-Compassion

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the association of self-compassion with nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) behavior in transgender and non-binary adolescents and young adults. Secondary aims were to examine (1) whether self-compassion buffered the association between victimization experiences and NSSI and (2) whether anxiety and depression symptoms explained the association between self-compassion and NSSI. Method: The participants were 236 Spanish-speaking transgender and non-binary adolescents and young adults (mean age=20.86, standard deviation [SD]=2.92), who were assessed through an online questionnaire consisting of several self-report measures. Path analysis was used to test the moderation hypothesis and the indirect associations between variables. Results: Victimization was associated with anxiety and depression symptoms and NSSI, whereas self-compassion was negatively associated with them. Self-compassion buffered the association between victimization and NSSI such that victimization was significantly associated with a higher frequency of NSSI only in participants with low levels of self-compassion. Anxiety and depression explained part of the association between self-compassion and NSSI. Conclusion: These results are important for future interventions aimed at reducing the negative consequences of victimization in transgender and non-binary people, focusing on developing their self-compassion.