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

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.