Relationship Between Psychology and Religious Attitude: the Moderating Role of Life Goal in Adolescence With Self-harm

Abstract

Background: Self-harm is a common problem among teenagers worldwide and can be affected by different factors. This research aimed to investigate the connection between the psychological well-being and religious convictions of individuals who self-injure, while also examining how life goals may serve as a moderating factor. Methods: This descriptive-correlational research employed a cross-sectional design and utilized structural equation modeling (SEM). The study targeted all teenage boys and girls in Tehran who had participated in self-harm behaviors between July and October 2023. A purposive sample of 196 adolescents with a history of self-harm was selected for the study. The Ryff’s psychological well-being scales (PWB), the religious attitude questionnaire (RAQ) and the purpose-in-life questionnaire (PIL) were used as research tools. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software, version 27 and SmartPLS software, version 4. Results: Self-acceptance had a significant and positive impact on religious attitudes (β=0.397, P=0.021). However, the positive relationship with other components had no significant influence on religious attitudes (P=0.954). Self-acceptance and personal growth, as well as a purposeful life, had a positive and notable impact on religious attitudes (P<0.05). Conversely, positive relationships with others, autonomy, objective life, and mastery of the environment did not significantly influence religious attitudes (P>0.05). Furthermore, purposeful life, acting as a moderating variable, positively and significantly affected the association between positive relationships with others and autonomy with religious attitudes, thereby enhancing this relationship. Conclusion: Psychological well-being and purposeful life are related to religious attitudes in self-harming adolescents. Specifically, self-acceptance and personal growth are the only well-being components that increase religious attitudes. Other components, like positive relationships, autonomy, mastery of the environment, and a purposeful life do not affect religious attitudes.