A Religiosidade e o Comportamento de Autolesão em Adolescentes

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence presents significant biopsychosocial transitions for the individual. At this stage, brain maturation favors the development of disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Self-harm, in turn, configures a dysfunctional behavior of the adolescent when faced with situations of suffering and anguish. Objective: To analyze the relationship between religiosity and self-harm behavior in adolescents. Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, with an analytical approach, carried out with 191 adolescents and young adults regularly enrolled in three campuses of a federal educational institution in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Data were collected using the Self-Harm Behavior Scale and questions about suicidal ideation and attempts, and religiosity. Descriptive and inferential analysis was performed using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and binomial logistic regression, and a significance level of 95%. Results and Discussion: The sample consisted of adolescents and young adults aged between 14 and 24 years, the majority of whom were female. The study indicated that self-harm behavior was less prevalent among adolescents who believe in God when compared to those who do not. Conclusion: The results obtained may indicate a possible protective factor of religiosity against self-harm behavior in adolescents. However, new studies, with other methodologies, should be conducted to ratify this variable in promoting and preventing mental health in this population.