The Mediating Role of Self-Compassion in the Relationship Between Family Functioning and the Tendency Toward Self-Injurious Behaviors in Adolescents

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between family functioning and the tendency toward self-injurious behaviors in adolescents.   Methods and Materials: The research method was correlational, and structural equation modeling was employed. The statistical population of this study included all first-year high school students (both male and female) in Qom during the 2022-2023 academic year. A total of 391 students were selected using a multi-stage cluster random sampling method. The study utilized the Self-Injurious Behavior Scale (Weiderman & Sansone, 1998), the Family Functioning Scale (Epstein et al., 2007), and the Self-Compassion Scale (Reis et al., 2011). Data analysis and hypothesis testing were conducted using structural equation modeling with SPSS-V25 and Amos software.   Findings: The results indicated that family functioning had a significant direct negative effect on the tendency toward self-injurious behaviors (β = -0.28, p < 0.001), meaning that higher family functioning was associated with lower self-injury. Additionally, self-compassion had a significant direct negative effect on self-injurious behaviors (β = -0.57, p < 0.001) and a significant positive relationship with family functioning (β = 0.48, p < 0.001). The indirect effect of family functioning on self-injurious behaviors through self-compassion was also significant (β = -0.27, p < 0.001), indicating that self-compassion mediated this relationship. Model fit indices confirmed the adequacy of the proposed model (χ²/df = 2.56, RMSEA = 0.06, CFI = 0.95, GFI = 0.95).   Conclusion: Strengthening family relationships and promoting self-compassion through psychological interventions may help mitigate self-harm tendencies among adolescents. These findings highlight the need for family-based and self-compassion-focused interventions in clinical and educational settings.