A Structural Model of Substance Use Tendencies: The Impact of Childhood Trauma and the Mediating Role of Self-compassion

Objective: The tendency toward substance use is a significant societal concern that affects occupational performance, social functioning, and interpersonal relationships. The current research explored the relationship between childhood trauma and the propensity for substance use, focusing specifically on the mediating role of self-compassion. Methods: A correlational design, complemented by structural equation modeling (SEM), was employed to collect data from 350 students at Urmia University, Urmia City, Iran, during the 2023–2024 academic year. The participants completed validated questionnaires measuring substance use tendency, childhood trauma, and self-compassion. Results: The findings indicated that childhood trauma had significant direct effects on both substance use tendency (B=0.43, P<0.005) and self-compassion (B=0.49, P<0.005). Self-compassion also significantly affected substance use tendencies (B=0.51, P<0.005). Conclusion: The outcomes indicated a notable indirect influence of childhood trauma on substance use tendencies via self-compassion, highlighting its function as a mediator and its potential as a focus for intervention strategies.