Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Bullying, and Peer Problems as Correlates of Self-Harm Behavior Among Adolescents in Kampar Regency, Riau Province, Indonesia

Alini Alini; Faridah Mohd  Said; Nia  Aprilla; Bri  Nofrika

doi:10.56303/jhnresearch.v4i2.480

Authors

Alini Alini Department of Nursing, Universitas Pahlawan Tuanku Tambusai, Riau, Indonesia
Faridah Mohd Said Department of Nursing, Lincoln University College, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Nia Aprilla Department of Nursing, Universitas Pahlawan Tuanku Tambusai, Riau, Indonesia
Bri Nofrika Department of Nursing, Universitas Pahlawan Tuanku Tambusai, Riau, Indonesia

Keywords:

Adolescents, Mental Health, Risk Factors, Self Harm

Abstract

Adolescents are a vulnerable population experiencing significant psychological and social changes, often leading to emotional difficulties and maladaptive behaviors such as self-harm. This study aims to analyze the associations and predictive factors of bullying, self-esteem, anxiety, and peer relationship problems with self-harm behavior among high school students in Kampar Regency, Riau Province, Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was conducted, involving 678 adolescents aged 15–18 years who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using validated structured questionnaires, including the Olweus Bullying Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and Peer Relationship Scale. Univariate analysis showed that 40% of respondents had experienced bullying, 30% had low self-esteem, 25% reported moderate to severe anxiety, and 35% had peer relationship problems. The prevalence of self-harm behavior was 18%. Bivariate analysis using the chi-square test revealed significant associations between all independent variables and self-harm behavior (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression identified moderate to severe anxiety as the strongest predictor of self-harm (OR 3.7; 95% CI: 2.3–5.8), followed by low self-esteem (OR 3.1; 95% CI: 2.0–4.9), bullying experience (OR 2.8; 95% CI: 1.9–4.2), and peer relationship problems (OR 1.8; 95% CI: 1.2–2.9). These findings establish a clear evidence base for developing comprehensive, school-based psychosocial interventions aimed at mitigating these specific risk factors to reduce the prevalence of self-harm among adolescents in Kampar Regency, Riau Province, Indonesia.

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