Self-harming Behaviors and suicide probability in delinquent adolescent girls: The role of emotion dysregulation and modeling the self-harming of peers

Background: Adolescents may be exposed to several mental health related difficulties due to lack of complete cognitive maturity. Objective: This study investigated the mediation of emotion dysregulation and modeling of peers in relation between self-harming behaviors and suicide probability in adolescent. Material& Methods: In a descriptive study, we investigated juvenile delinquents of Correction and Rehabilitation Center of Mashhad during ۲۰۲۱. A total of ۱۴۸ individuals were selected and evaluated using the self-harm motivation scale, Ottawa self-harming inventory, regulation problems scale and peer self-harm modeling scale. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling in SmartPLS-۳ software.   Results: The mean age of participants was ۱۶.۲۱ (standard deviation=۲.۴۲). There was significant direct effect of self-harming behaviors on suicide probability (β=۰.۸۶ , P= ۰.۰۰۱ ). The significant indirect effect of self-harming behaviors on suicide probability through emotional dysregulation (β= ۰.۳۶, P= ۰.۰۰۱ ) was stronger than indirect effect mediated by peers modeling (β=۰.۱۷ , P= ۰.۰۴ ). The model account for ۸۷ % of total variance of suicide probability. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study, it can be concluded that emotion dysregulation and peers modeling play a role in increasing suicide probability and should be considered in preventing harmful behaviors in adolescents.

Keywords:

Self-injury , Suicide , Emotion regulation