Daydreaming and Sluggishness May Predict Different Functions for Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: A Clinic-Based Single-Center Study

Objective: Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) is recognized worldwide as a public health concern among adolescents. Recent studies have shown a relationship between Sluggish Cognitive Tempo (SCT) and a range of difficulties linked to NSSI, including a host of psychiatric disorders and behavioral problems, though no study to date has examined the relationship between SCT and NSSI or NSSI functions among adolescents. In this study, our aim was to evaluate SCT symptoms and any connection to NSSI functions, while addressing other psychiatric symptoms and problems specifically associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among adolescents. Methods: The sample consisted of 50 adolescents with NSSI, (aged 2-18, 68% female). Participants completed the Brief Symptom Inventory, SCT Rating Scale, Conners Wells Adolescent Scale and Inventory of Statements About Self Injury. Results: SCT symptoms were present in 40% of adolescents with NSSI behavior. Adolescents with SCT had higher ADHD, somatization, obsession-compulsion, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, phobic anxiety and psychoticism scores, and also showed more family, emotional, conduct and cognitive problems than others. SCT-Sluggish factors were associated with anti-dissociation and selfcare, and SCT-Daydreaming factors were associated with the anti-suicide functions of NSSI, after regulating ADHD and other psychiatric symptoms. Conclusion: This is the first study to examine SCT symptoms related to NSSI, and our findings demonstrate that SCT symptoms, both daydreaming and sluggishness, are uniquely associated with some NSSI functions in adolescents, beyond other psychiatric symptoms and ADHD. This research provides strong preliminary support for an association between SCT and NSSI and NSSI functions among adolescents.