Predicting Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents Without Regular Physical Activity Based on Childhood Trauma and Distress Tolerance: The Mediating Roles of Mental Pain and Dissociative Experiences

Abdoli, Pooneh; Zandiyeh, Fatemeh; Khalifeh Soltani, Marziyeh

doi:10.22089/spsyj.2026.18045.2572

Predicting Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents Without Regular Physical Activity Based on Childhood Trauma and Distress Tolerance: The Mediating Roles of Mental Pain and Dissociative Experiences

Document Type : Original research

Authors

Pooneh Abdoli ¹

Fatemeh Zandiyeh ²

Marziyeh Khalifeh Soltani ³

¹ PhD Student in Psychology, Department of Psychology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.

² Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Qom University of Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qom, Iran.

³ Assistant professor in sport management, Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran.

10.22089/spsyj.2026.18045.2572

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to predict non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents without regular physical activity, based on childhood trauma and distress tolerance, while examining the mediating roles of mental pain and dissociative experiences.

Methods: This study was applied in purpose and descriptive-correlational in method. The statistical population comprised all senior high school students in Qom during the second semester of the 2023–2024 academic year, from whom 443 participants were selected using convenience sampling. The research instruments included the Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Distress Tolerance Scale, the Mental Pain Scale, and the Dissociative Experiences Scale. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Results: The results indicated that NSSI in adolescents was significantly predicted by childhood trauma through the mediating roles of mental pain and dissociative experiences (P<0.01). Furthermore, NSSI was significantly predicted by distress tolerance through the mediating roles of mental pain and dissociative experiences (P<0.01).

Conclusion: Designing and implementing targeted physical activity programs in schools and counseling centers may serve as a complementary and practical intervention for reducing self-injurious behaviors in adolescents.

Keywords

Childhood Trauma

Distress Tolerance

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury

Mental Pain

Physical Activity

Subjects