Publications
June, 2023
In this randomized clinical trial, we investigated the efficacy of an online solution focused brief therapy (SFBT) for adolescents' anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 period. Eligible participants were between the ages of 11 and 18 years, scored a 10 or above on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). The results found that compared to adolescents who did not receive any treatment, the intervention yielded significant results in alleviating adolescents’ anxiety and depressive symptoms while promoting problem oriented coping strategies at immediate post-intervention. The therapeutic benefit has persisted, as shown in our results from the 1-month follow-up.
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The effect of interoceptive awareness as the underlying mechanism between anxiety and NSSI behaviors
July, 2023
The association between anxiety symptoms and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors requires further clarification. We aimed to examine the potential indirect effect of three dimensions of interoceptive awareness. The effect of study variables on lifetime NSSI behaviors was initially tested on 5281 participants, and then the indirect effects were further clarified among individuals with NSSI behaviors. We found that emotional awareness and body listening exerted opposing indirect effects on the frequency of NSSI behaviors. Future preventive intervention programs should focus on enhancing individuals' abilities to integrate their body and emotions, as this has been strongly highlighted.
Non-suicidal self-injury in Chinese population: a scoping review of prevalence, method, risk factors and preventive interventions
May, 2023
Non-suicidal self-injury behavior (NSSI) is a serious public health concern that requires immediate attention. Despite the high prevalence of NSSI among the Chinese population, there is a significant gap in research on the comprehensive picture of this field. Therefore, a scoping review was conducted to investigate the prevalence, methods, risk factors, and preventive intervention programs related to NSSI in China. The review found that the estimated lifetime prevalence of NSSI among Chinese youth population is alarmingly high at 24.7% (N = 1,088,433). Common methods of NSSI include scratching, hitting, and biting. Additionally, the review synthesized 249 risk factors based on the biopsychosocial-ecological framework, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. However, only 12 empirical studies focus on NSSI prevention or intervention programs were included. These findings underscore the necessity for more clinical practices and larger studies to identify effective interventions and ultimately alleviate the burden of NSSI on the Chinese population.
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Analysis of Psychiatric Symptoms and Suicide Risk Among Younger Adults in China by Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
March, 2023
Question Do transgender and gender-nonconforming (TGNC) and lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) younger adults in China experience worse mental health and suicide risk than their cisgender heterosexual peers, and what are risk factors within TGNC and LGB groups?
Findings In this cross-sectional survey of 89 342 younger adults in China, TGNC and cisgender LGB individuals had a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, nonsuicidal self-injury, and suicide risk compared with cisgender heterosexual individuals. Sexual minority women, gender nonbinary individuals, and those who reported peer bullying and assault and loneliness were particularly vulnerable.
Meaning The findings of this study suggest there is an imperative need to improve mental health and prevent suicide among Chinese LGB, transgender, or queer or questioning younger adults.
Associations of bullying perpetration and peer victimization subtypes with preadolescent’s suicidality, non-suicidal self-injury, neurocognition, and brain development
April, 2023
This study explored the neurobiological mechanisms behind peer victimization, bullying, and preadolescent development. Using data from the ABCD Study, researchers examined how different types of victimization and bullying are associated with suicidality, executive function, memory, brain structure abnormalities, and network disturbances. The study included 5,819 participants aged 10-13. Results showed that both victimization and bullying increased the risk of suicide ideation, attempts, and self-injury. General victimization affected episodic memory, while specific bullying types influenced executive function and memory differently. Victims exhibited brain abnormalities in the paracentral and posterior cingulate cortex, and disrupted networks tied to attention and cognitive control. The study highlights the need for tailored interventions involving all stakeholders to mitigate the negative effects of bullying on preadolescent well-being.
A national transgender health survey from China assessing gender identity conversion practice, mental health, substance use and suicidality
April, 2023
Gender identity conversion practice (GICP) refers to attempts to change an individual's gender identity to align with societal expectations based on assigned sex at birth. This study analyzed data from the Chinese Transgender Health Survey, including 7,576 respondents from mainland China. Findings indicate that GICP is associated with increased risks of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, non-suicidal self-injury, and alcohol use. Those who experienced professional GICP reported more suicide attempts. GICP has particularly severe effects on mental health among TNG individuals aged ≤17. The study highlights the damaging impact of GICP and emphasizes the need for public awareness.
Blind box over-engagement and suicide risk among adolescents and young adults: Results of a large-scale survey
July 2022
Gambling is known to be a significant risk factor for suicide in the global young population. Blind boxes, which are randomly packed collectible toys, share similarities with gambling and are popular among young people. This study is the first to investigate the link between blind box engagement and suicide risk in the young population, who are the primary consumers of blind boxes. Our findings showed that blind box over-engagement is positively associated with suicide risk in both young males and females, and this association persisted after adjusting for influencing factors.
A multicomponent digital intervention to promote help-seeking for mental health problems and suicide in sexual and gender diverse young adults: A randomized controlled trial
March, 2023
LGBTQ+ community's higher susceptibility to worse mental health outcomes and more help-seeking barriers compared to the cis-heterosexual population. Despite the LGBTQ+ population facing higher mental health risks, there has been a dearth of research focusing on developing tailored interventions targeting them. The current intervention was an effective approach in promoting help-seeking intentions, mental health literacy, and help-seeking encouragement-related knowledge.
A qualitative study of how self-harm starts and continues among Chinese adolescents
December, 2020
The aims of this study are to understand the motivations for initiating and repeating nonfatal self-harm, the different methods used between first-time and repeated self-harm and the reasons that adolescents do not seek help from health services. We found that nonfatal self-harm among adolescents occurred comparatively early and was often triggered by specific reasons. However, the subsequent nonfatal self-harm could be causeless, with repeated self-harm becoming a maladaptive coping strategy to handle daily pressure and negative emotions.
Changes in network centrality of psychopathology symptoms between the COVID-19 outbreak and after peak
September, 2020
This study examined the changes in psychopathology symptoms during and after the COVID-19 outbreak. A total of 2540 participants were recruited from February 6 to 16, 2020, and 2543 participants were recruited from April 25 to May 5, 2020. Network models were created to explore the relationship between anxiety and depression symptoms. Network models were created to explore the relationship between anxiety and depression symptoms.
Effect of the NMDA receptor partial agonist, d-cycloserine, on emotional processing and autobiographical memory
May, 2020
The aim of the present investigation was to assess the effect of DCS on emotional processing in healthy volunteers and to further characterise its effects on emotional and autobiographical memory. We found that DCS did not significantly affect the FERT, EMEM and FDOT performance but significantly increased emotional memory and classification for positive words v. negative words. Also, DCS enhanced the retrieval of more specific autobiographical memories, and this effect persisted at 24 h.
Bullying victimization, bullying witnessing, bullying perpetration and suicide risk among adolescents: A serial mediation analysis
August, 2020
Bullying victimization, bullying witnessing, bullying perpetration and suicide risk among adolescents: A serial mediation analysis. Given the urgent need to reduce the high suicide rate among adolescents in China, our findings suggest that having a less negative coping style is an important protective factor.