Examining the Role of Theory of Mind and Emotion Regulation in Predicting Self-harming Behaviors in Adolescents

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Psychology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Rasht Branch, Rasht, Iran

3 Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran

4 Department of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Bushehr Branch, Bushehr, Iran

Abstract

Background: Self-harm has emerged as a significant concern within the realm of public health, particularly during the adolescent years, where such behaviors have witnessed a notable escalation.
 
Objectives: This study aims to explore the influence of the theory of mind and emotion regulation in the anticipation of self-harming tendencies among adolescents.
 
Methods: The study was conducted using both correlational and cross-sectional design. The target population for this research consisted of all adolescents residing in Tehran from April to November 2023 who had previously engaged in self-harming actions. The target population encompassed all teenagers in Tehran with a history of self-harming behaviors. A sample of 89 teenagers with such a history was selected through the purposive sampling method. The research employed several measurement instruments, including the Theory of Mind Scale, the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and the Self-Harm Inventory. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS version 27 software using Pearson correlation and multiple regression techniques. The significance level for this research was set at 0.05.
 
Results: The current study findings indicated that the initial statement of the theory of mind had no significant impact on self-harm (P=0.593). However, the components of the Introductory Theory of Mind (P=0.001) and Advanced Aspects of the Theory of Mind (P=0.009) had a detrimental and significant influence on self-harm.
 
Conclusion: Regarding the components of the theory of mind, the introductory theory of mind and more advanced aspects have a mitigating effect on self-harm in teenagers who engage in self-harming behaviors.

Keywords

Acknowledgments: The information in this article is taken from the author’s thesis, which was approved by the Ethics Code: IR.PNU.REC.1402.246. The author expresses thanks and recognition to all the people who took part in the study and offered help, as well as their families.

 

Availability of data and materials: The study's dataset can be accessed upon request from the corresponding author either during the submission process or after the publication of the study

 

Conflicts of interests: There is no conflict of interest.

 

Consent for publication: The Publisher must receive the signed Consent to Publish from the Authors in order to publish their Work.

 

Ethics approval and consent to participate: The information in this article is taken from the author’s thesis, which was approved by the Ethics Code: IR.PNU.REC.1402.246. T. Informed consent was also obtained. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration.

 

Financial disclosure: This study did not receive any funding support.

 

Author contributions: Z. A.: Contributed to the conception of the work, revising the draft; M.D.: Approving the final version of the manuscript, Z. A.: Agreeing on all aspects of the work; M.D. and F.M. P.: Contributed to the data analysis and interpretation, critical revision, and approval of the final version of the manuscript; S. A. and M. R.: Contributed to acquiring data, drafting the manuscript, and approving the final version; F.M. P. and S. A.: Contributed to the conception and design of the study, critical revision, and approval of the manuscript's final version; M. R.: Contributed to the conception and design of the study, data interpretation, drafting of the manuscript and critical revision, and approval of final version.

 

Open Access Policy: This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. To view a copy of this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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Available Online from 14 January 2025

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