role of self-compassion in the relationship between self-injurious behaviors and substance use tendency: a mediation model

Background: substance use tendency is considered a risk factor that may increase the likelihood of disruptions in occupational performance, social interactions, and mental well-being, rather than directly causing them. self-injurious behaviors are among the key predictors of substance use tendency. in recent years, self-compassion has gained attention as a protective factor against high-risk behaviors such as substance misuse. objectives: the present study aimed to develop a model of substance use tendency based on self-injurious behaviors, and the mediating role of self-compassion. materials and methods: this descriptive-correlational study employed structural equation modeling (sem). the statistical population included all students at urmia university during the 2023 - 2024 academic year (n = 13,267). a sample of 350 students was selected using a multistage random sampling method. the instruments used were the weed and butcher substance use tendency questionnaire (1992), self-harm inventory (shi), and self-compassion scale-short form (scs-sf). data analysis was performed using spss v22 and amos, employing descriptive statistics and pearson correlation tests. results: pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between self-injurious behaviors and substance use tendency (r = 0.505), along with significant negative relationships between self-compassion and substance use tendency (r = -0.585), and between self-compassion and self-injurious behaviors (r = -0.448). moreover, the indirect effect of self-injurious behaviors on substance use tendency through self-compassion was significant, indicating that self-compassion partially mediates this relationship (β = -0.27, p < 0.01). the final structural equation model demonstrated acceptable fit indices (rmsea = 0.086, cfi = 0.90, gfi = 0.90). conclusions: self-injurious behaviors are related to increase the tendency toward substance use, both directly and indirectly by reducing self-compassion. enhancing self-compassion could serve as an effective strategy in preventing substance use tendency among youth.