Provision of a Structural Model for Predicting Suicide Ideation based on Emotion Regulation and Self-Compassion with the Mediating Role of Perceived Social Support in Individuals with Gender Dysphoria

Abstract

Aim: The present study aimed to provide a structural model for predicting suicide ideation based on emotion regulation and self-compassion with the mediating role of perceived social support in individuals with gender dysphoria. Methods: The research was descriptive and correlational, and its statistical population consisted of all people with gender dysphoria in Tehran in 2020-2021 with an approximate number of 150,000. The sample size of 300 was selected based on Klein's perspective (2016) using the convenience non-random sampling method (online method), and they responded to suicidal ideation scale by Beck et al. (1979), emotion regulation questionnaire by Gross and John (2003), the Neff self-compassion scale (2003), and the Multidimensional Social Support Scale by Zimet et al. (1988). The proposed model was then analyzed by structural equation modeling using SPSS and AMOS 24. Result: The results indicated significant direct path coefficients of cognitive reappraisal (β=-0.172, P=0.001), emotional suppression (β=0.568, P=0.001), self-compassion (β=-0.600, P=0.001), and perceived social support (β=-0.361, P=0.001) on suicide ideation. Furthermore, the indirect effects of emotion regulation and self-compassion were significant through the mediating role of perceived social support on suicidal ideation (P=0.01). Conclusion: The modified structural model of the study had a favorable and acceptable fit with the research data and it was an important step in detecting the determinants of suicide ideation in people with gender dysphoria.