Explanation of Self-Inflicted Violence Through Body Dissatisfaction in Adolescent Women

del Pilar Aguilar Castillo S.; Torres I.S.; Castillo J.C.A.; Pérez A.M.V.; Bautista J.C.P.; Flores B.J.C.; Aguilar Y.P.T.; Pajares L.A.C.; Bellodas M.R.J. · Journal of Educational and Social Research (2025) · DOI: 10.36941/jesr-2025-0019

Resumen

This study examined the influence of body dissatisfaction on self-inflicted violence in adolescent girls from Lambayeque, Peru. Through an explanatory quantitative design, a sample of 278 high school female students was analyzed using the BSQ questionnaire and a scale of self-inflicted violence. The results revealed that body dissatisfaction has a significant impact on self-inflicted violence (r: .494; p<0.01; Y= 19.100+0.182X), explaining 24% of the variance in the dependent variable, with similar impacts on its dimensions: risk factors (18%), suicidal ideation (17%), and suicidal behavior (16%); These findings expand previous research by breaking down self-inflicted violence and quantifying the specific influence of body dissatisfaction. The study highlights the importance of addressing body image in preventive and therapeutic interventions for adolescents, especially in the regional context where an increase in self-harm and suicidal behaviors has been observed. The need for future research to explore additional factors and mediation mechanisms in this relationship is emphasized.

Instituciones: Universidad César Vallejo; Universidad Señor de Sipán