Zahra Azadfar

Previous cross‐sectional studies have linked over‐parenting to adolescent non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI), but within‐person associations, especially across cultures, remain unexplored. This study investigated the transactional association between over‐parenting and NSSI among Chinese ( N = 596, M _age = 15.05, SD _age = 1.27) and Belgian ( N = 213, M _age = 14.22, SD _age = 1.57) adolescents using a random‐intercept cross‐lagged panel model (RI‐CLPM) across three waves with a 3‐month interval. The results revealed no significant within‐person predictive effects between over‐parenting and NSSI over time in either the Chinese or Belgian subsample. However, a significant between‐person association was observed in the Chinese sample, but not in the Belgian sample. Multi‐group RI‐CLPM analysis indicated no significant cross‐cultural differences in autoregressive and cross‐lagged paths, nor in between‐ or within‐person associations, suggesting cultural similarities. Potential mechanisms linking over‐parenting to NSSI and directions for future research are discussed.

Romantic relationship breakups (RRBs) are one of the most common and stressful life events in emerging adulthood that can lead to the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). However, little is known about the risk factors that increase the risk of PTSS after RRBs. We studied the role of romantic perfectionism (as a personality vulnerability) and event centrality and integration of the event (as two key cognitive processes involved in PTSS) in the PTSS severity after RRBs. 525 university students who had experienced at least one RRB in the past two years completed online questionnaires. Results showed that high levels of romantic perfectionism were associated with higher PTSS severity. This relationship was serially mediated by event centrality and integration of the event. The findings highlight the key role of perfectionistic tendencies about romantic relationships and cognitive processing of the event in understanding PTSS after RRBs.

Background: Recent research suggests a concerning trend of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal behaviors emerging at younger ages (as early as age 12). Early onset of NSSI is linked to more severe outcomes. While universal school-based prevention programs have shown promise in addressing suicidal behaviors, there is limited research on their effectiveness in preventing NSSI onset among adolescents. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a universal prevention program in schools for NSSI and mental complaints while enhancing resilience and mental health in 11–14-year-old adolescents. Methods: In total, 329 Flemish secondary school students (55.6% female), aged 11 to 14 years, participated in a 4 h classroom universal prevention, with a focus on emotion regulation, mental health, and specific strategies to prevent NSSI and reduce stigma. For both the intervention and control group (N = 124), a pre-, post-, and one-month follow-up questionnaire was administered, containing reliable and valid measures for NSSI and suicidality, emotion regulation, help-seeking behaviors, well-being, and psychological distress. Results: The prevention program effectively reduced NSSI and psychological distress, particularly for adolescents with a history of NSSI. Conclusions: These findings support previous research on the effectiveness of school-based programs in reducing mental complaints and suggest promising outcomes for NSSI prevention.

Background: Recent research suggests a concerning trend of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal behaviors emerging at younger ages (as early as age 12). Early onset of NSSI is linked to more severe outcomes. While universal school-based prevention programs have shown promise in addressing suicidal behaviors, there's limited research on their effectiveness in preventing NSSI onset among adolescents. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a universal prevention program in schools for NSSI and mental complaints while enhancing resilience and mental health in 11-14-year-old adolescents. Methods: In total, 329 Flemish secondary school students (55.6% female), aged 11 to 14 years, participated in a 4-hour classroom universal prevention, with a focus on emotion regulation, mental health, and specific strategies to prevent NSSI and reduce stigma. For both the intervention and control group (N = 124), a pre-, post- and one-month follow-up questionnaire was administered, containing reliable and valid measures for NSSI and suicidality, emotion regulation, help-seeking behaviors, well-being, and psychological distress. Results: The prevention program effectively reduced NSSI and psychological distress, particularly for adolescents with a history of NSSI. Conclusions: These findings support previous research on the effectiveness of school-based programs in reducing mental complaints and suggest promising outcomes for NSSI prevention.

(1) Background: Emotional regulation is a critical determinant of adaptive functioning during adolescence, exerting a profound influence on psychological well-being. This study seeks to deepen our understanding of the intricate interplay between emotional regulation and maladaptive psychological symptoms, examining these dynamics through a cross-country comparison. (2) Methods: A total of 224 adolescents, aged 13 to 21 years, from both Iran and Belgium, participated in a cross-sectional comparative study. The study aimed to elucidate the relationship between emotional regulation and mental health functioning, assessing internalizing symptoms, externalizing symptoms, and self-injury. A demographic questionnaire, the Emotion Regulation Inventory, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and the Self-Harm Inventory, were administered. Data analysis incorporated correlation assessments, multivariate analysis of variance, and structured equation modeling. (3) Results: The findings revealed a positive association between emotional dysregulation and psychological symptoms across the entire sample. Conversely, emotional suppression, more prevalent in Iran, showed no significant link with maladaptive symptoms but was associated with self-harm in the Belgian sample. Cultural disparities were evident, with internalizing problems more prevalent in Iran and externalizing issues more common in Belgium. (4) Conclusions: Emotional dysregulation emerged as a common factor compromising mental health. It emphasizes the necessity of considering cultural nuances when developing interventional and preventative programs and calls for further research in this field.