The Role of Self-Criticism Levels in Predicting Borderline Personality Traits among 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 aim of this study was to determine the role of self-criticism levels in predicting borderline personality traits among students with childhood trauma. The research method was applied in terms of purpose, quantitative in terms of nature, and descriptive-correlational in terms of implementation. The statistical population of the present study consisted of all students with childhood trauma in Ardabil City in 2025. Sampling was conducted through a two-stage procedure using cluster random sampling and purposive theoretical sampling, and ultimately, 184 students with childhood trauma were selected as the final sample. The data collection instruments included the Levels of Self-Criticism Scale developed by Thompson and Zuroff (2004), the Borderline Personality Inventory (BPI) developed by Leichsenring (1999), and the Childhood Trauma Scale developed by Bernstein et al. (1994). The findings indicated that the overall regression model was statistically significant, and self-criticism levels could predict borderline personality traits among students with childhood trauma in Ardabil City. Among the dimensions of self-criticism, comparative self-criticism (Beta = 0.348) and internalized self-criticism (Beta = 0.320) had significant predictive contributions to borderline personality traits. The results of this study indicate that self-criticism, particularly its comparative and internalized dimensions, plays a key role in explaining and intensifying borderline personality traits among students who have experienced childhood trauma. Therefore, developing psychological interventions focusing on the modification of self-critical tendencies may serve as an effective strategy for reducing these traits and promoting mental health in this vulnerable population.

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A Review of Theorizing of Behavioral Sciences
Volume 2, Issue 2
April 2025
Pages 93-106

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