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Solving the puzzle of deliberate self-harm: the experiential avoidance model
Alexander L Chapman1, Kim L Gratz, Milton Z Brown
1Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Box 351525, Seattle, WA 98195-1525, USA.
Behaviour Research and Therapy
|February 1, 2006
Summary
Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is explained by the Experiential Avoidance Model (EAM), which suggests DSH is maintained by escaping unwanted emotions. This model integrates research on emotions and avoidance to understand DSH behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Deliberate self-harm (DSH) receives increasing attention, yet lacks a unifying theoretical framework.
- Existing literature does not fully explain the factors controlling DSH behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the Experiential Avoidance Model (EAM) of DSH.
- To provide an evidence-based theoretical framework for understanding DSH.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on factors leading to experiential avoidance.
- Examination of empirical evidence supporting DSH as an escape mechanism.
- Integration of research on emotions, experiential avoidance, and DSH.
Main Results:
- The Experiential Avoidance Model (EAM) proposes DSH is maintained by negative reinforcement.
- DSH functions as an escape from or avoidance of unwanted emotional experiences.
- The EAM integrates diverse research findings into a cohesive framework.
Conclusions:
- The EAM offers a clinically useful framework for understanding DSH.
- This model stimulates novel research directions in the study of self-harm.
- Experiential avoidance is a key mechanism in the maintenance of DSH.