Self-Injury Research Paper

Self-Injury Research Paper
English Composition
Dawnnisa Tubaugh


         Frequently, Self-injury is perceived as a “cry for attention” (lifeSIGNS) and some cases are more severe than others; however the terms self-injury, self-harm, and self-mutilation for the purpose of this report are used to explain a reoccurring and deep-seeded issue. Self-injury is defined as "a variety of behaviors in which an individual intentionally inflicts harm to his or her body for purposes not socially recognized or sanctioned and without suicidal intent,"(Wikipedia). The term 'without suicidal intent' may give one the feeling that this issue is not severe but in 40-60% of suicide cases, there was a history of self harm (Wikipedia).

Self-injury itself is not a diagnosable disorder but is linked to many other mental health disorders such as Bipolar Disorder (Martinson), Anxiety Disorders, Post Traumatic stress disorder (lifeSIGNS), Personality disorders and various forms of depression (Martinson). Because of the feelings of ‘shame’ that often follow, many cases of self-mutilation are not reported and sometimes remain unknown until hospitalization and/or treatment of another ailment (NHS). 

Common misconceptions about self-mutilation involve ideas such as self-harm being a failed suicide attempt (Wikipedia) or that people who self-injure enjoy pain. Often it is believed that those high up in social circles would never think about harming themselves and that self-injury only occurs in troubled teenagers. Parents and family members of self-injurers often blame themselves or overreact to the behavior causing heightened tensions (Pomere 38-39). Recently, the term ‘emo’ has been placed on the heads of those who have admitted to their self-mutilation, characterizing the act with self-centered depression and teenage angst (Sands).

Self harm is generally considered to be a negative or self-destructive act (Wikipedia), yet it can be viewed from another perspective. It may be empowering or affirming of the person’s individuality and strength in expressing themselves or dealing with strong emotions (Swain). The use of self-harm can therefore be interpreted as an act of power rather than the more common perception of it as an act of emotional pain or the inability to cope with feelings or experiences (lifeSIGNS). It may be that self-harm actually reveals the person’s will to live or survive (NHS), as the patients use of self-harm can be seen as a way of maintaining psychological integrity through releasing unbearable feelings and easing an urge toward suicide (lifeSIGNS).

Dictionary.com defines addiction as, “The condition of being habitually or compulsively occupied with or involved in something” or “the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma” (Addiction). Many experts therefore view self-injury as an addiction. Self-injurers are known to become desperate to relieve the tension and pressure they feel and as they injure themselves more, over time the wounds and the need they feel to hurt themselves grows much like the tolerance build up seen in drug addictions. From a chemical standpoint, the act of self-harm releases Beta-Endorphins, the same chemical released from drug use, to cause feelings of elation and pain relief (Pomere 32-33).

Self-mutilation is typically broken down into three major categories; major self-injury, stereotypic self-injury, and superficial self-injury. Major self-injury is the rarest and most extreme category, including acts such as castration and self-inflicted amputation. Although these cases lead to the most hospitalizations, they are not found often in many areas of the world. Stereotypic self-injury is found mostly among mental health patients and is often more impulsive behavior. These acts include the banging of one’s head against walls or other hard surfaces and biting oneself. The most common category of self-mutilation found is superficial/moderate self-injury. This is the category that includes cutting, burning, branding, hair-pulling, and even intentional self-poisoning (Pomere 10-12).

         Self-poisoning is the form of self-injury that deals with the purposeful ingestion of toxic materials, including drugs and alcohol (Wikipedia). This includes deliberately taking more than the recommended dosages on prescription or over-the-counter medications and ‘huffing’ substances such as glue or gasoline (Haskins). In under-developed countries around the globe, the popularity of self-harm through ingesting pesticides and poisonous, local plants has caused for nearly 70% of their self-harm related hospitalizations. These hospitalizations frequently end in death because of a combination of poor medical care and the toxicity of these chemicals (Eddleston).

The most common kind of self harm is 'cutting'- intentional stabbing or cutting of oneself with sharp objects such as razorblades, knives, and scissors. Eighty percent of self harm cases fall into the category of 'cutters'. The other 20% include burning, interfering with wound healing, hair pulling, and self-poisoning (Wikipedia). Often, the person self-harming will have rituals for their behavior, whether it involves a favorite device or certain clothing worn before or after they have injured themselves. They have reported feeling sensations of euphoria and gratification during the event, or even a sense of 'freedom' (Swain). But the evident feelings of shame afterwards are the emotions they seem to experience most often. Those who self-injure often hide their scars, refusing to seek medical treatment or help. They may lie about their behavior or simply refuse to discuss it. The shame associated with self-harm often causes a cycle for further incidents; the act itself causing shame, the shame causing depression and a sense of negative self-worth, the feelings of negative self-worth and depression causing more acts of self-injury and so on (Swain).

The statistics have approximated that 1 in every 250 girls self-mutilate, and the rates for boys aren't that different (Swain). In 2009, these numbers rose tremendously: one in every five girls and one in every severn males have injured themselves purposely (Mindframe). Because of the secrecy and shame in those who self-harm, the majority of these statistics are based on “hospitalized self-harm” – incidents discovered or reported after a doctor’s visit or hospitalization for reasons other than the self-injury alone (Mindframe). Those who self-harm have shown the same basic characteristics of low self-esteem (lifeSIGNS), suppressed anger, impulsive behavior, anxiety issues, depression, and having a lack of coping skills (Swain). Close to half of those who have reported harming themselves purposely have also reported a history of sexual abuse (Wardell). Many celebrities have even confessed to self-mutilation, sharing their stories of suffering and recovery. These include Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, and Princess Diana (Edward and Cross).

         Self-harm knows no age barrier (Schimelpfening).  This problem doesn't just affect teenagers, and the risk of suicide increases with the age of those who self-harm. In 2004, it was found that 28% of self-harm cases involved people between the ages of 15-24, 47% involved people between the ages of 25-44, and around 25% involved both children 14 and under and adults over 45 yrs old (Mindframe).

Self-injury isn’t just an issue in the United States. Without a shadow of a doubt, this trend is on the rise all over the globe but still hasn't been studied in great depth, although in 2002, the British Medical Journal published that 13% of 15-16 year olds purposely harm themselves (Chappuis). Southern Australia and Tasmania reports a number of cases far above the national average – 169 cases per every 100,000 people (Berry), and in Asian countries, it has been reported that there are around 850 cases of self-mutilation reported per every 100,000 people ("File: Self-inflicted injuries world map - DALY - WHO2004.svg"). In Northern Ireland, 63.8% of their self-harm cases stem from alcohol abuse (Wikipedia). Self-poisoning with Acetaminophen is a growing trend in the UK (Eddleston) where 5.4% of self-harm cases include those over 55 years old (Wikipedia).

         Self-harm is very apparent in the prison systems throughout the world. Some cases are attributed to the prisoners’ lack of coping skills or even as a way for the prisoner to receive protective custody from the prison guards ("HM Prison Service"). In England in 2006, the population of prisoners was at 78,000, with 23,420 cases of self-harm recorded within the prison system (Erwin). 

         The fact of the matter is that self-injury is present everywhere where there are people with problems. Still, those who live with self-harm--whether it be the people who self-injure or the parents or family of that person--continue wondering why studies and advances have not been made to combat this epidemic. Doctors and mental health professionals tend to spend more time focusing on the underlying causes while the numbers continue to rise.

Citations

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