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

Objective: Self-harming behavior is a major clinical issue in adolescence. 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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) predict self-harming behaviors. Conclusions: Our findings, provided a therapeutic insight to prevent suicide and other related destructive behaviors among adolescents.