The mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between childhood traumatic experiences and self-harm behaviours

This research was conducted to examine the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between childhood traumas and self-harming behaviours. This research is a correlational research as a type of quantitative research to determine the direct or indirect effect and dimension of the relationship between three conceptual structures consisting of childhood trauma, self-harming behaviour and self-compassion. The data for the study was collected from 544 students continuing their education in various faculties at the university. The age range of the participants varied between 18-25 years and 67.8% of them were female and 32.2% were male and 72.2% were first year students, 11.4% were second year students, 10.3% were third year students and 6.1% were fourth year students. "Childhood Traumas Questionnaire", "Self-Injurious Behaviour Assessment Inventory" and "Self-Compassion Scale Short Form" were used as measurement tools in the study. As a result of the study, it was determined that the relationship between childhood traumas and self-harming behaviours was significant and positive, and as the level of childhood traumas increased, self-harming behaviours also increased. It was observed that there was a significant negative relationship between childhood traumas and self-compassion, and in this direction, as the level of childhood traumas increased, the level of self-compassion decreased. When the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between childhood traumas and self-harming behaviours was examined, it was concluded that the indirect effect of childhood traumas on self-harming behaviours was significant. In other words, it has been seen that childhood traumas have an effect on self-harm behaviours through self-compassion. When self-compassion is included in the research model, it is seen that the total effect between childhood traumas and self-harming behaviours does not disappear, but self-compassion weakens the existing relationship. Keywords: Childhood traumas, Self-harming behaviors, Self-compassion, University students.