Investigating the Role of Childhood Trauma, Emotion Dysregulation, and Self-criticism in Predicting Self-harming Behaviors

Self-harming behavior is a major clinical issue in adolescenc. Childhood trauma, emotion dysregulation, and Self-criticism are the main concerns associated with self-harming behavior. In this study, we investigated the relationship between childhood trauma, emotion dysregulation, and Self-criticism with self-harming behaviors among adolescents in Iran.

A sample of 558 (263 girls and 295 boys) middle school-aged adolescents (aged 13–17) was recruited. Participants had at least one self-harming behavior in their clinical records. Self-harm Inventory (SHI), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Levels of Self-criticism questionnaire (LOSC) were completed online. 

Findings of step by step regression revealed a significant relationship between childhood trauma, emotion dysregulation, and Self-criticism with self-harming behaviors. More specifically, childhood trauma (β=0.253, t=6.42), emotion dysregulation (β=0.135, t=2.77), and Self-criticism (β=0.345, t=8.67) predicted self-harming behaviors.

Our findings provided a therapeutic insight to prevent suicide and other related destructive behaviors among adolescents.