Volume 24, Issue 11 (5-2026)
JRUMS 2026, 24(11): 1011-1024 |
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Ethics code: IR.IAU.H.REC.1403.081
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Aref A, Yavari A, Hashemi S E. Psychache and Its Dimensions as Predictors of Self-Harm Among University Students: A Descriptive Study. JRUMS 2026; 24 (11) :1011-1024
URL: http://journal.rums.ac.ir/article-1-7809-en.html
URL: http://journal.rums.ac.ir/article-1-7809-en.html
Islamic Azad University of Hamedan
Abstract: (54 Views)
Background and Objectives: Self-harm behaviors, which are closely associated with suicide, are influenced and manifested by various factors. One of these factors is psychache. Accordingly, the present study aimed to examine psychache and its dimensions as predictors of self-harm among university students.
Materials and Methods: In the present descriptive-correlational study, the statistical population included all students at the Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch, during the 2024–2025 academic year. From this population, 295 students were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using the 44-item Orbach and Mikulincer Mental Pain Scale (2003), a demographic questionnaire, and two items assessing self-harm and suicide attempt. Logistic regression was used for data analysis.
Results: Among the 295 participants, 90 students (30.5%) reported a history of self-harm. Logistic regression results showed that psychache had a significant positive effect on the likelihood of self-harm behaviors (Odds Ratio=1.024, p<0.001). Furthermore, among the various dimensions of psychache, only the dimension of “Confusion and Emotional Disturbance” was a significant positive predictor of self-harm (Odds Ratio=1.093, p=0.031), while the “Loss of Control” dimension had a negative and protective effect (Odds Ratio=0.863, p=0.025).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that psychache and its “Confusion and Emotional Disturbance” dimension play an important role in predicting self-harm behaviors among university students. Designing clinical and educational interventions focused on enhancing emotion regulation skills can be effective in preventing and reducing self-harm behaviors.
Keywords: Psychache, Self-harm, Confusion, Emotional disturbance, Loss of control, University students
Funding: This study did not have any funds.
Conflict of interest: None declared.
Ethical considerations: The Ethics Committee of Islamic Azad University, Hamedan Branch, approved the study (IR.IAU.H.REC.1403.081).
Authors’ contributions:
- Conceptualization: Amirhossein Yavari
- Methodology: Anahita Aref, Amirhossein Yavari
- Data collection: Anahita Aref
- Formal analysis: Anahita Aref
- Supervision: Amirhossein Yavari, Seyed Esmaeil Hashemi
- Project administration: Amirhossein Yavari
- Writing – original draft: Anahita Aref
- Writing – review & editing: Anahita Aref, Amirhossein Yavari, Seyed Esmaeil Hashemi
Keywords: Psychache, Self-harm, Confusion, Emotional disturbance, Loss of control, University students
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Psychiatry
Received: 2025/08/19 | Accepted: 2026/01/7 | Published: 2026/05/20
Received: 2025/08/19 | Accepted: 2026/01/7 | Published: 2026/05/20
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