A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Relationship between Mentalizing Ability and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI)

This meta-analysis of 37 studies found a moderate negative association (r = -.253) between mentalizing ability and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI).  The results were analyzed by three-level model revealed that association was significantly moderated by measurement instrument and demographic factors. Results support mentalizing deficits as a transdiagnostic risk factor for NSSI.