Maternal bonding, Self-Compassion, and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury among Pakistani Young Male Adults

Abstract

Young adulthood is a period of heightened vulnerability to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), with parental bonding heightening this risk. Within South Asian family systems, maternal warmth is normatively expected, potentially giving its absence distinct psychological weight relative to paternal coldness. This study examined self-compassion as a moderator of the relationship between maternal bonding (care and overprotection) and NSSI among 300 Pakistani young male adults. Maternal bonding was measured using the Parental Bonding Instrument (Parker et al., 1979), self-compassion using the Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003), and NSSI using the Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury (Klonsky & Glenn, 2009). Moderation analyses conducted in Jamovi (Medmod Module) revealed that low maternal care was associated with greater NSSI engagement, while high maternal overprotection was associated with greater NSSI engagement; both associations weakened significantly as self-compassion increased. These findings indicate that self-compassion buffers the risk conferred by withheld maternal warmth and excessive maternal control, suggesting clinical value in cultivating self-compassion where maternal bonding cannot readily be changed. Findings support culturally informed interventions targeting self-compassion as a protective resource for Pakistani young men.