The Relationship Between Family Sports Behavior Environment and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Among Chinese Middle School Students: The Chain Mediating Effect of Friendship Quality and School Bullying Victimization

This study aims to examine the relationship between the family sports behavior environment (FSBE) and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among Chinese middle school students, with particular emphasis on the mediating role of friendship quality(FQ) and school bullying victimization (SBV) in this relationship.Method: A convenience sampling method was employed, with 968 middle school students as the survey subjects. Questionnaire surveys were conducted using the Family Sports Behavior Environment Scale, the Friendship Quality Questionnaire, the Victim Questionnaire, and Non-suicidal Self-injury Assessment Questionnaire. The obtained data were processed and analyzed using SPSS statistical software.Results: FSBE was significantly positively correlated with FQ, and SBV was significantly positively correlated with NSSI. SBV and NSSI were significantly negatively correlated with FSBE, and both SBV and NSSI were significantly negatively correlated with FQ. In terms of mediation analysis, FSBE could predict NSSI behaviors among middle school students through FQ (effect = -0.153, 95% CI [− 0.186, − 0.121]), SBV (effect = -0.034, 95% CI [− 0.051, − 0.018]), and the chained mediation effect of FQ and SBV (effect = -0.018, 95% CI [− 0.027 − 0.011]).Conclusion: FQ and SBV are chain-mediated between FSBE and NSSI among Chinese middle school students. A good family sports environment can positively enhance the level of FQ, which in turn effectively reduces the risk of SBV among Chinese middle school students and ultimately reduces their NSSI behaviors.