Ethics code: IR.UI.REC.1402.012
1- University of Isfahan
2- Shiraz University
2- Shiraz University
Abstract: (121 Views)
Background and objective: Adolescence is a critical period of development characterized by unique challenges and vulnerabilities. One of the most significant behaviors exhibited by adolescents in response to challenges is self-harming behavior; which carries both personal and social consequences. One of the most significant factors influencing the occurrence of self-harming behaviors is the presence of psychological distress in adolescents. Psychological distress refers to a collection of negative emotional states such as anxiety, depression, and stress, which can have a considerable impact on an individual’s mental health and well-being. One of the most harmful actions is self-harming behavior, which is typically carried out by an individual without any suicidal intent. It can serve various purposes, from self-punishment to seeking attention from others, but its most common function is emotion regulation, namely, stopping or suppressing negative emotions. Another predictive variable in the occurrence of psychological distress is attachment styles. According to John Bowlby, attachment is a type of enduring emotional bond between a developing child and a caregiver, which affects social development and psychological functioning throughout a lifetime. Some studies have examined mechanisms that increase the impact of attachment styles on psychological distress. One of these mechanisms is a protective variable called self-compassion, which is effective in moderating negative emotions. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between attachment styles and psychological distress with the mediating role of self-compassion in self-harming adolescents.
Research method: The current descriptive-analytical research employed structural equation modeling as its methodology. The statistical population of the research included all self-harming adolescents aged 13 to 18 in Shiraz city in the spring of 1402, and 275 of them were selected by convenient sampling method. Participants were required to meet specific criteria, including a willingness to partake in the study and a demonstration of self-harming behaviors. Incomplete responses to questionnaire items served as the exclusion criterion. Data were collected through the use of Collins and Reed's (1990) attachment style questionnaire, Kessler's (2002) standard psychological distress questionnaire, Neff's (2003) standard self-compassion questionnaire, and Klonsky and Glenn's (2009) self-injury questionnaire. SPSS-22 and AMOS-22 software were utilized for data analysis at both descriptive and inferential levels with a significance level of 0.05.
Findings: The findings revealed significant direct effects: secure attachment style demonstrated a significant impact on both psychological distress (β = -0.257, P=0/001) and self-compassion (β = 0.338, P<0/001). Similarly, avoidant attachment style exhibited a significant influence on psychological distress (β = 0.157, P=0/031) and self-compassion (β = -0.162, P=0/037). Additionally, the direct relationship between self-compassion and psychological distress was notable (β = -0.362, P<0/001). The indirect effect of secure attachment style (β=-0.122, p=0.002) and avoidant attachment style (β=0.059, p=0.032) with the mediation of self-compassion on psychological distress was significant. However, the indirect effect of anxious attachment style (p=0.315, β=0.028) with the mediation of self-compassion on psychological distress was not significant. Also, the fit index was at a suitable level (X2/df= 1.925, CFI= 0.939, GFI= 0.897, RMSEA= 0.077, IFI= 0.94).
Conclusion: The results indicate that attachment styles, mediated by self-compassion, significantly influence the psychological distress experienced by self-harming adolescents. Adolescents with secure attachment styles internalize the care and support received from attachment figures, fostering self-compassion and thereby exhibiting greater kindness, understanding, and acceptance, resulting in reduced psychological distress. Conversely, adolescents with heightened avoidant attachment tendencies often are independent and fear interpersonal closeness and display lower self-compassion, rendering them more susceptible to psychological distress. This study underscores the importance of psychological factors, namely attachment styles and self-compassion, in understanding the mental distress among this demographic.
Research method: The current descriptive-analytical research employed structural equation modeling as its methodology. The statistical population of the research included all self-harming adolescents aged 13 to 18 in Shiraz city in the spring of 1402, and 275 of them were selected by convenient sampling method. Participants were required to meet specific criteria, including a willingness to partake in the study and a demonstration of self-harming behaviors. Incomplete responses to questionnaire items served as the exclusion criterion. Data were collected through the use of Collins and Reed's (1990) attachment style questionnaire, Kessler's (2002) standard psychological distress questionnaire, Neff's (2003) standard self-compassion questionnaire, and Klonsky and Glenn's (2009) self-injury questionnaire. SPSS-22 and AMOS-22 software were utilized for data analysis at both descriptive and inferential levels with a significance level of 0.05.
Findings: The findings revealed significant direct effects: secure attachment style demonstrated a significant impact on both psychological distress (β = -0.257, P=0/001) and self-compassion (β = 0.338, P<0/001). Similarly, avoidant attachment style exhibited a significant influence on psychological distress (β = 0.157, P=0/031) and self-compassion (β = -0.162, P=0/037). Additionally, the direct relationship between self-compassion and psychological distress was notable (β = -0.362, P<0/001). The indirect effect of secure attachment style (β=-0.122, p=0.002) and avoidant attachment style (β=0.059, p=0.032) with the mediation of self-compassion on psychological distress was significant. However, the indirect effect of anxious attachment style (p=0.315, β=0.028) with the mediation of self-compassion on psychological distress was not significant. Also, the fit index was at a suitable level (X2/df= 1.925, CFI= 0.939, GFI= 0.897, RMSEA= 0.077, IFI= 0.94).
Conclusion: The results indicate that attachment styles, mediated by self-compassion, significantly influence the psychological distress experienced by self-harming adolescents. Adolescents with secure attachment styles internalize the care and support received from attachment figures, fostering self-compassion and thereby exhibiting greater kindness, understanding, and acceptance, resulting in reduced psychological distress. Conversely, adolescents with heightened avoidant attachment tendencies often are independent and fear interpersonal closeness and display lower self-compassion, rendering them more susceptible to psychological distress. This study underscores the importance of psychological factors, namely attachment styles and self-compassion, in understanding the mental distress among this demographic.
Keywords: Attachment Style, Psychological Distress, Self-Compassion, Self-Harming Behavior, adolescence.
Type of Study: Original Research Article |
Subject:
Psychology
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