People with learning difficulties who engage in self-injury

This article represents some of the findings of the author's research into the relationship between self-injury and learning disability. It identifies the key theoretical discourses associated with the phenomenon, before elaborating on the main principles of each and identifying resultant intervention strategies. These interventions, psychotropic medication, mechanical restraint, and the behavioural approach are subsequently described. Case-study methodology was employed since this enabled the examination over time of these intervention strategies in the lives of individuals fulfilling the necessary criteria of persistent self-injury and significant communication difficulties. The findings of the research suggest a frequently piecemeal approach to self-injury, with arbitrary selection of behavioural intervention approaches, a continued reliance on powerful medication, and ambivalence concerning the use of mechanical restraint. Nurses were often skilled in working from a behavioural perspective, but were hindered by complex family circumstances and a failure to gain the confidence of direct care staff. There was also a lack of appreciation about the relationship between the individual and his/her self-injury, and recognition of the nature of the intransigence.