Effectiveness of Pleasure Perception Training Group Therapy on Adolescents With Depression and Analysis of Factors Associated With Non‐Suicidal Self‐Injurious Behaviors

OBJECTIVE: This study is designed to explore the effectiveness of pleasure perception training group (PPTG) therapy on adolescents with depression and the factors that influence the presence of non-suicidal self-injurious behavior (NSSI). METHODS: A hundred and twenty adolescent depression patients were randomly assigned to either a control group (n = 60, routine treatment) or an observation group (n = 60, PPTG plus routine treatment) for two months. Outcome included depression (CDI), emotional intelligence (EIS), and self-injury (OSI) scores. Patients were stratified into NSSI and Non-NSSI groups based on NSSI history. Univariate and multifactorial logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore potential risk factors for NSSI. RESULTS: Post-treatment, CDI scores decreased and EIS scores significantly increased in both groups, with greater changes in the observation group (p < 0.05). OSI scores decreased in patients with NSSI, with lower scores in the observation group (p < 0.05). Regression analysis identified family history of psychiatric disorders, left-behind experience, childhood family dysfunction, childhood abuse, and exposure to school bullying as independent risk factors for NSSI (OR > 1, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PPTG therapy effectively reduces depressive symptoms, enhances emotional regulation, and lowers NSSI in adolescents with depression. Several psychosocial factors independently increase NSSI risk.