Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Behavior Among Gen-Z Adolescents in Semarang City: Identification Using Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Inventory and Gratitude
Izzatin Nida, Augustina Sulastri
ANIMA Indonesian Psychological Journal July 31, 2026 DOI: 10.24123/aipj.v41i2.7941 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Quantitative cross-sectional study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 143 |
| Population | University students aged 18-22 years (Generation Z) in Semarang City, Indonesia |
| Measures | mindfulness-based stress reduction questionnaire (MBSR), gratitude questionnaire, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) scale |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | MBSR statistically predicted higher non-suicidal self-injury (β = 0.295), while gratitude predicted lower non-suicidal self-injury (β = -0.370); the overall regression model was significant (F = 8.243) with an R² of 0.105. The authors argue that mindfulness without adequate acceptance skills may increase vulnerability to NSSI, whereas gratitude appears to be a protective factor, and recommend integrating gratitude into prevention programs. |
Abstract
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a serious mental health problem among late adolescents of Generation Z (Gen-Z). However, the role of positive psychological factors such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and gratitude as statistical predictors of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) has not been widely explored empirically in Indonesia. This study aims to test whether mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and gratitude can statistically predict non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in Generation Z (Gen-Z) in Semarang City, both partially and simultaneously. The term "predictor" here is used in a statistical sense, and not in a causal relationship. This quantitative study involved 143 university students aged 18–22 years old, selected using convenience sampling techniques. Data collection utilized adapted instruments, namely: (1) mindfulness-based stress reduction questionnaire (MBSR; adapted from Fatemi et al., 2024; Liu et al., 2025), ); (2) gratitude questionnaire (adapted from Fekete & Deichert, 2022; Tachon et al., 2021); and (3) non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) scale (adapted from Faura-Garcia et al., 2021; Poudel et al., 2022). The results of the analysis showed that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) significantly predicted positive non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI; β = 0.295; p = 0.002), while gratitude significantly predicted negative non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI; β = -0.370; p < 0.001). The overall regression model was significant (F = 8.243; p < 0.001) with an R2 of 0.105. These findings reveal a complex dynamic where mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), without adequate acceptance skills, can actually statistically increase vulnerability to non-suicidal self-injury. (NSSI), while gratitude has been shown to be a strong protective factor. This study recommends the integration of gratitude components into non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) prevention programs and a cautious approach in implementing mindfulness interventions for vulnerable populations.
Comparable studies
Other cross-sectional and survey studies on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construct Validity of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire in Meditating and Nonmeditating Samples Experienced meditators and nonmeditating comparison groups | 2008 | Cross-sectional study | |
| Neural Correlates of Dispositional Mindfulness During Affect Labeling Adult participants | 2007 | Observational cross-sectional | n = 27 |
| Assessing mindfulness in children and adolescents: Development and validation of the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM). School-aged children and adolescents | 2011 | Cross-sectional validation study | n = 1,413 |
| Mindfulness and self-compassion as predictors of psychological wellbeing in long-term meditators and matched nonmeditators Experienced meditators and demographically matched nonmeditators | 2012 | Cross-sectional study | n = 152 |
| Mechanisms of Action in the Inverse Relationship Between Mindfulness and Psychological Distress Undergraduates | 2008 | Cross-sectional, correlational |