The impact of father daughter conflict on self injurious behaviors among Iranian adolescent girls with the mediating roles of emotion regulation and love trauma

Background Self-injurious behaviors (SIB) are repetitive, self-directed actions causing physical harm, medical issues, and diminished well-being. This study examined the impact of father-daughter conflict on SIB in adolescent girls, investigating the mediating role of emotion regulation and the moderating role of love trauma. Methods A correlational study employing structural equation modeling and path analysis was conducted. Participants were 300 adolescent girls (ages 12–18) from Zaveh city, selected via multi-stage cluster sampling. Data were collected using the Parent-Child Relationship Assessment Questionnaire (PCRS), the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, the Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury (ISAS), and the Love Trauma Questionnaire (LTI). Structural equation modeling (SEM) using SmartPLS 3 validated the model fit and explanatory power. Results Father–daughter conflict was a significant predictor of self-injurious behaviors (SIB) among adolescent girls, while closer father–daughter relationships were associated with better mental health outcomes and reduced levels of SIB. Emotion regulation mediated the association between father–daughter relationships and SIB, and love trauma moderated the association between emotion regulation and SIB. Conclusion Interventions focused on strengthening father–daughter relationships and enhancing emotion regulation skills through structured workshops and counseling programs may be effective in reducing self-injurious behaviors (SIB), particularly among adolescent girls with experiences of love trauma.