Structural Relationships Between Impulsivity and Self-Injurious Behaviors: The Mediating Role of Hope and Self-Efficacy

Najafi, Mahmoud; Ameri, Narjes; Hefazi Torghabeh, Leila

doi:10.22055/psy.2026.49633.3433

Structural Relationships Between Impulsivity and Self-Injurious Behaviors: The Mediating Role of Hope and Self-Efficacy

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Mahmoud Najafi ¹

Narjes Ameri ²

leila hefazi torghabeh ³

¹ Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

² PhD student in Psychology, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran.

³ PhD Student, Department of Clinical Psychology, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran

10.22055/psy.2026.49633.3433

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the mediating role of hope and self-efficacy in the relationship between impulsivity and self-injurious behaviors in students. This study was descriptive-correlational. The statistical population included all students of Semnan University in the academic year 2023-2024, from which 330 people were selected by convenience sampling. The research tools included the self-injurious behaviors questionnaire, impulsivity scale, hope scale, and general self-efficacy scale. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and SPSS 26 and AMOS 22 software. The results showed that impulsivity is positively and significantly related to self-injurious behaviors. Also, hope and self-efficacy played a significant mediating role in this relationship, such that a decrease in the level of hope and self-efficacy strengthens the effect of impulsivity on self-injurious behaviors. The proposed model had a good fit. Based on the findings of this study, individuals with high impulsivity are more likely to engage in self-harming behaviors due to reduced hope and self-efficacy. Therefore, it is suggested that therapeutic and preventive interventions should be designed with a focus on enhancing hope and self-efficacy in individuals with high impulsivity to prevent the occurrence of self-harming behaviors.Therefore, it is suggested that therapeutic and preventive interventions should be designed with a focus on enhancing hope and self-efficacy in individuals with high impulsivity to prevent the occurrence of self-harming behaviors.

Keywords

Impulsivity

self-injurious behaviors

hope

self-efficacy

Subjects