Abstract

Studies have demonstrated the association between aggression and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI); however, research on the specific factors influencing this relationship is limited. This study investigated whether meaning in life and shame moderate the link between aggression and NSSI. A total of 300 adults with a history of NSSI (36.3% male, 63.7% female; age range: 19-67 years, M = 34.76, SD = 11.02) completed self-report questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the SPSS PROCESS macro (Model 3). Results revealed a significant three-way interaction among aggression, meaning in life, and shame in predicting NSSI (β = 0.09, p = .014). The positive association between aggression and NSSI was stronger at lower levels of meaning in life. Moreover, the buffering effect of meaning in life was significant only when shame was low (β = -0.18, p = .03). These findings suggest that meaning in life may serve as a protective factor against NSSI in individuals with low shame, highlighting the need for interventions that enhance meaning in life for this group. This study contributes to targeted prevention and intervention strategies for NSSI.