Prediction of Self- Destructiveness based on Perceived Stress, Brain-behavioral Systems and Defense Styles

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to predict self- destructiveness based on perceived stress, brain-behavioral systems and defense styles. The population was the students of the Faculty of Pharmacy of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in the academic year 2017-2018; through convenience sampling method, 150 completed questionnaires were analyzed. The design was correlational. chronic self- destructiveness scales (CSDS), perceived stress scale (PSS), behavioral inhibition-activation systems scale (BIS/BAS) and defense styles (DSQ) were used to collect data. The data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient as well as stepwise regression. The results showed that there was a relationship between self-destructiveness and perceived stress (p≤.01), punishment sensitivity (p≤.001), reward responsiveness (p≤.05), drive (p≤.01), and fun seeking (p≤.01). Immature defense style (p≤.01) and neurotic defense style (p≤.01) have a relationship. Moreover, the regression analysis revealed that fun seeking (R2=.33), reward sensitivity (R2=.26), driving (R2=.23), neurotic defense styles (R2=.17), immature defense styles (R2=.11) and punishment sensitivity (R2=.11) could predict self- destructiveness. In conclusion, it can be said that perceived stress is in dynamic relationship with brain-behavioral systems and defense styles can predict self- destructiveness. Punishment sensitivity among brain-behavioral systems, and immature defense styles among the defense styles, were most strongly associated with self-destructiveness.

Keywords

• brain-behavioral system
• defense styles
• perceived stress
• self- destructiveness