The Role of Self‑Criticism Levels in Predicting Borderline Personality Traits in Students with Childhood Trauma

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Faculty of Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Branch, Ardabil, Iran

2 Department of Humanities, Faculty of Psychology, Islamic Azad University, Ardabil Branch, Ardabil, Iran

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine the role of self‑criticism levels in predicting borderline personality traits among students with childhood trauma. In terms of purpose, the study was applied; in terms of nature, it was quantitative; and in terms of method, it employed a descriptive correlational design. The statistical population consisted of all university students with childhood trauma in Ardabil city in 2025. Sampling was conducted in two stages using random cluster sampling followed by purposive theoretical sampling, and ultimately 184 students with childhood trauma were selected as the final participants. Data were collected using Thompson and Zuroff’s (2004) Levels of Self‑Criticism Scale, the Borderline Personality Inventory (BPI) developed by Leichsenring (1999), and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire developed by Bernstein et al. (1994). The findings indicated that the overall regression model was significant, and levels of self‑criticism were able to predict borderline personality traits among students with childhood trauma in Ardabil. Among the dimensions of self‑criticism, comparative self‑criticism (β = 0.348) and internalized self‑criticism (β = 0.320) made significant contributions to the prediction of borderline personality traits. The results suggest that self‑criticism particularly its comparative and internalized dimensions plays a key role in explaining and intensifying borderline personality traits among students with experiences of childhood trauma. Therefore, designing psychological interventions focused on modifying self‑criticism may serve as an effective strategy for reducing these traits and promoting mental health in this vulnerable population.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Files

Share

How to cite

Statistics