The Role of Rumination and Self-Criticism in the Relationship Between Self-Compassion and Suicidal Ideation in Adolescents of Tehran

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating role of rumination and self-criticism in the relationship between self-compassion and suicidal ideation among adolescents in Tehran. This descriptive-correlational study included 400 adolescents aged 15–18 years, selected based on the Morgan and Krejcie table. Data were collected using the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire (SIQ), the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), the Ruminative Responses Scale (RRS), and the Forms of Self-Criticizing/Attacking & Self-Reassuring Scale (FSCRS). Pearson correlation analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with SPSS-27 and AMOS-21 were applied for data analysis. The results indicated a significant negative relationship between self-compassion and suicidal ideation (β=-0.23, p<0.01). Self-compassion negatively predicted rumination (β=-0.39, p<0.01) and self-criticism (β=-0.41, p<0.01). Rumination (β=0.24, p<0.01) and self-criticism (β=0.27, p<0.01) showed significant positive effects on suicidal ideation. Indirect effects were also significant: self-compassion reduced suicidal ideation through rumination (β=-0.09, p<0.01) and through self-criticism (β=-0.11, p<0.01). Model fit indices (CFI=0.95, TLI=0.94, RMSEA=0.047) supported the adequacy of the proposed model. The findings highlight the protective role of self-compassion against suicidal ideation and confirm the mediating effects of rumination and self-criticism. Clinical interventions that enhance self-compassion and reduce maladaptive cognitive patterns may serve as effective strategies for preventing and managing suicidal thoughts in adolescents.

Keywords: Self-compassion, Rumination, Self-criticism, Suicidal ideation, Adolescents