Self-Mutilating Adolescents

Innovative Program Design for Self-Mutilating Adolescents

Self-mutilation has long been a problem for adolescents with the prevalence of this phenomenon impacting upon 75 out of 10,000 people in the general population. Individuals aged 15 to 35 have the highest prevalence of self-mutilation, with the phenomenon occurring in 1,800 out of 100,000 persons (Yip, Ngan, & Lam, 2003). There are various forms of self-mutilation or self-injurious behavior, defined by SAFE Alternatives (2003) as deliberate, repetitive, impulsive, non-lethal harming of one's body by such actions as cutting, scratching, burning, punching the self or objects, infecting oneself, bruising or breaking bones, compulsive hair pulling, and inserting objects in body openings. Such behaviors pose serious risks and are likely to be symptoms of a mental health problem that can be treated (SAFE Alternatives, 2003).

This concept paper presents a broad overview of a dissertation topic selected to fulfill the requirements for research that addresses the design of a new and original intervention program targeting adolescents aged 13-18 who have been identified as engaging in or at risk for engaging in self-mutilating and therefore dangerous behaviors. The next section of this concept paper will present a brief review of relevant literature, followed by a statement of the purpose, its significance, and a summary of the proposed research methodology.

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so common among participants. The problem is widespread. Indeed, Sherman (2002) reported on research indicating that today's self-mutilators tend to be younger, more middle class, and apparently less psychologically damaged individuals than traditionally observed. Self-mutilation was observed among 1950s adolescents largely in outpatients with serious, persistent mental illness, psychiatric inpatients, and youths housed in residential schools or group homes. In the current century, self-mutilators do not fit the mold of trauma victims who are alienated from their own bodies. In perfectionist adolescents, mutilation may express self-loathing and rage at perceived failure and provide a powerful communication mechanism to attract the attention of unresponsive people. Therapies for self-mutilating individuals include dialectical behavior therapy which Yasgur (2001) identifies as helping patients to change dysfunctional attitudes. Patients often see emotional disregulation as a problem for which self-mutilation is the source. Interventions including psychoeducation, pharmacotherapy, and concrete skills training, along with dialectical behavior therapy help patients develop new responses to the emotions that previously trigger

Category: Psychology - S