Comparison of Self-Criticism, Shame, Guilt, and Self-Compassion in Students with and without Self-Injurious Behaviors

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Master of Psychology , University of Guilan , Rasht , Iran.

2 Full Professor, Department of Psychology , Faculty of Literature and Humanities , University of Guilan , Rasht , Iran.

3 Full Professor, Department of Psychology , Faculty of Literature and Humanities , University of Guilan ,Rasht , Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: Considering the role of intrapersonal and emotional factors in to appear and continuation of self-injurious behavior, the purpose of this study is to compare self-criticism, shame, guilt, and self-compassion in students with and without self-injurious behaviors.
Method: This study employs a causal-comparative design. The research population consists of undergraduate students at Guilan University during the 2023–2024 academic year. The sample for the present study consists of 730 university students, including 255 individuals with self-injurious behavior and 475 without such behavior, selected from various university faculties. Data were collected using Wiederman and Sanson's Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Scale questionnaire (1998), Thompson and Zuroff’s Self-Criticism Scale (2003), Tangney et al.'s Self-Conscious Emotions Scale (2000), and Rice et al.'s Short-Form Self-Compassion Scale (2011). The research data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis of variance statistical methods.
Results: The results show that self-criticism and shame scores are higher in students exhibiting self-injurious behavior, while self-compassion scores are lower in this group (P < 0.001). Additionally, the findings indicate no significant difference in the experience of guilt between students with and without self-injurious behavior (P > 0.05).
Discussion and Conclusion: Self-criticism and shame are significant factors contributing to self-injurious behavior, while self-compassion can serve as a protective factor against such behaviors. Therefore, strengthening self-compassion and reducing self-criticism and shame should be considered in intervention and prevention programs. It is also suggested to reduce self-injurious behaviors by conducting educational and counseling workshops that teach the concepts and skills of self-compassion and how to manage self-criticism.

Keywords

References

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