The mediating role of mentalization and self-compassion in the relationship between attachment styles and suicidal thoughts in adolescents
Subject Areas : Psychology
Leila Hefazi Torghabeh
1
,
Mahmoud Najafi
2
*
1 - Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.
2 - Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.
Keywords: Mentalization, Self-compassion, Attachment Styles, Suicidal thoughts, Adolescents,
Abstract :
The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of mentalization and self-compassion in the relationship between attachment styles and suicidal thoughts among adolescents. This research was conducted using a descriptive-correlational method (structural equation modeling). The statistical population included all girle and boy high school students in the second grade in Mashhad during the ( 2023-2024) academic year. A total of 325 students were selected as the sample using a multi-stage cluster random sampling method. To measure the research variables, the Attachment Styles Questionnaire, Beck's Suicidal Ideation Scale, the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire, and the Adolescent Self-Compassion Questionnaire were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS25 and AMOS24 software. The findings revealed a direct and significant relationship between attachment styles and suicidal thoughts. Additionally,mentalization and self-compassion acted as mediators in the relationship between attachment styles and suicidal thoughts, with their indirect effects being significant. The results suggest that secure attachment, through enhancing mentalization and increasing self-compassion, can help reduce suicidal thoughts. These findings underscore the importance of psychological interventions that focus on improving mentalization capacity and increasing self-compassion in managing suicidal thoughts among adolescents
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