The relationship between defense mechanisms and suicidal ideation in women: The mediating role of psychological pain and difficulties in emotion regulation

Background: Suicidal ideation persists as a pressing public health concern, especially in women. Dysfunctional defense mechanisms and their complex interplay with emotional and cognitive processes warrant further scholarly investigation.   Objectives: This study investigates the mediating roles of psychological pain and difficulties in emotion regulation in the relationship between defense mechanisms and suicidal ideation in women. Method: This descriptive-correlational study used structural equation modeling to examine direct and indirect pathways in women with suicidal ideation from Karaj counseling centers (۲۰۲۴). A convenience sample of ۳۵۰ participants (mean age = ۳۲.۰ years, SD = ۷.۸) completed the Defense Style Questionnaire-۴۰ (immature/dysfunctional subscale), Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation, Mental Pain Scale, and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. Data analysis used SPSS-۲۷ and AMOS-۲۷. The study received ethics approval, included informed consent, and high-risk participants (BSSI ≥۱۷) were referred to crisis services. Results: Findings indicated a significant direct effect of dysfunctional defense mechanisms on suicidal ideation (β=۰.۲۲, p<۰.۰۰۱). Psychological pain (β=۰.۱۵, ۹۵% CI [۰.۱۰, ۰.۲۰], p<۰.۰۰۱) and difficulties in emotion regulation (β=۰.۱۰, ۹۵% CI [۰.۰۵, ۰.۱۵], p<۰.۰۰۱) partially mediated this relationship, with the direct effect remaining significant, confirmed through ۵,۰۰۰ bootstrap resamples. The model exhibited strong fit (CFI=۰.۹۲, TLI=۰.۹۱, RMSEA=۰.۰۶), underscoring the mediators’ salience in suicidal ideation.   Conclusion: This study highlights the need for multidimensional interventions targeting dysfunctional defenses, psychological pain, and emotion regulation to prevent and treat suicidal ideation in women.

کلیدواژه ها:

Suicidal Ideation ، Psychological Pain ، Emotion Regulation ، Defense Mechanisms ، Women