Introduction: Non-suicidal self-injury is a significant mental health challenge among university students, and understanding its associated factors can inform preventive interventions. The present study aimed to examine the role of demographic variables, dimensions of mental health and psychological well-being in predicting the likelihood of NSSI among male students at the universities of Guilan (Iran) and Balkh (Afghanistan).
Methods: This correlational study included 766 male students aged 18 to 25 years from the Universities of Guilan and Balkh during the 2024–2025 academic year. Participants were selected using convenience sampling and completed the NSSI Questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire, and Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression.
Results: Anxiety–insomnia (P < 0.001, OR = 1.11) and depression (P < 0.001, OR = 1.09 were the strongest predictors of NSSI. Among demographic variables, university of study, employment status and faculty were significant predictors, whereas age, marital status, somatic complaints, social dysfunction and psychological well-being were not. The final model explained a portion of the variance in NSSI and correctly classified 71% of cases.
Discussion and Conclusion: Findings indicate that emotional factors, particularly Anxiety–insomnia and depression, play a decisive role in the occurrence of NSSI, highlighting the role of mental health over demographic variables. Differences related to educational context and academic role pressures may also increase students’ vulnerability. Accordingly, strengthening psychological screening and expanding preventive services in universities may help reduce NSSI.