Self-Mutilating Adolescents

The topic of self-mutilation (SM) has in recent years gained widespread attention in mainstream culture. While this new level of interest is indicative of growing awareness on the part of clinicians and other caregivers of the extent and effects of the problem, relatively little empirical research has been generated examining this phenomenon (Ross & Heath, 2002). More significantly, successful interventions designed to put an end to this particular self-injurious behavior and to facilitate the development of a more positive self-concept among self-mutilating individuals are rudimentary at best (Jancin, 2003).

It is the purpose of this dissertation to move from an examination of key issues related to self-mutilation among adolescents to the design and implementation of a targeted intervention emphasizing family therapy. An important aspect of understanding the factors that lead to deliberate self-harm is an examination of the motives or intentions and premeditation involved (Rodham, Hawton, & Evans, 2004). Equally important is the assessment of the various treatment and intervention strategies used by clinicians in working with members of this particular population.

Haines and Williams (2003) have suggested that people who self-mutilate have been hypothesized to have deficient skills in coping and problem-solving that leave them vulnerable to the adoption o

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en become quite desperate about their lack of self-control and the addictive-like nature of their acts which may lead them to true suicide attempts. Such behaviors may cause more harm than intended, resulting in medical complications or even death. Eating disorders and alcohol or substance abuse that are comorbid with SM intensify the threats to the individual's overall health and quality of life (SAFE Alternatives, 2002). SM is a life threatening condition that is often not taken seriously by others around the person until their life is actually threatened. There are times when the injury goes farther than intended into suicide. Even if this pattern is healed in body, mind, emotions, and spirit, the former injurer's system may be permanently impaired by years of self abuse. Since the individual has usually endured years of abuse, they are at increased risk for cancer and infection (Past Forward, 2004). Self-injurious behaviors, according to Garfield and Bergin (1995), also have long-term effects upon an adolescent's psychological, emotional, social, and academic development. Because SM is often found to be comorbid with other disorders or psychological problems, its effects are often exacerbated by those problems. For exam
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Approximate Pages = 34 (250 words per page)

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