Prediction of Self-Injury Behaviors Based on Impulse Control, Internalized Shame and Rumination in Adolescents Referred to Harm Reduction Centers

Abstract

The aim of the study was to predict self-injury behaviors based on impulse control, internalized shame and rumination in adolescents referred to harm reduction centers. The descriptive-correlation research method was regression analysis type. The statistical population of the research was adolescents aged 14 to 18 years who referred to harm reduction centers in Tehran in 2022 with a number of 1365 people. In order to select the research sample, 300 people were selected by simple random sampling method. The research tools were self-harm, impulsivity, rumination and internalized shame questionnaires. For data analysis, Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression were used simultaneously. The results showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between impulse control, rumination and internalized shame with self-harming behaviors. Internalized shame had the highest and motor impulsivity the lowest predictability. Rumination had no part in this prediction. Decreased impulse control and increased internalized shame caused an increase in self-injurious behaviors in adolescents. Based on the findings of the research, it is suggested to use training programs to reduce impulsivity in dealing with internalized shame and related problems.

Keywords

• adolescents
• impulse control
• internalized shame
• rumination
• self-injurious behaviors