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

Abstract

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 300 students (161 girls, 139 boys; ages 13-16; grades 7-9) 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 = 0.02, 95% CI: -0.001 to 0.055), while the total indirect effect was significant (β = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.20). Specifically, rejection sensitivity influenced NSSI indirectly via bullying victimization (β = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.04 to 0.146), accounting for 64.9% of the total indirect effect. The pathway through loneliness alone was non-significant (β = 0.02, 95% CI: - 0.006 to 0.05), whereas the serial mediation pathway was significant (β = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.009 to 0.04), representing 17.2% 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.