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Self-mutilation in clinical and general population samples: prevalence, correlates, and functions
1Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, USA.
The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry
|November 11, 1998
Summary
Self-mutilation is a coping mechanism for emotional distress, dissociation, and trauma symptoms. This behavior, equally common in males and females, was linked to childhood sexual abuse in clinical and general populations.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Self-mutilation is a complex behavior with significant clinical implications.
- Understanding the prevalence and correlates of self-mutilation is crucial for effective intervention.
- Previous research has explored various facets of self-mutilation, but further investigation across different populations is warranted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of self-mutilation in general and clinical populations.
- To explore the psychological functions of self-mutilation, including its role in managing dissociation, emotional distress, and posttraumatic symptoms.
- To examine the association between childhood sexual abuse and self-mutilation.
Main Methods:
- The study involved three samples: the general population, clinical groups, and self-identified self-mutilators.
- Data were collected to assess the prevalence of self-mutilation within these groups.
- Statistical analyses were employed to identify correlations between self-mutilation and psychological factors, including dissociation, emotional distress, posttraumatic symptoms, and history of childhood sexual abuse.
Main Results:
- Self-mutilation was reported by 4% of the general population sample and 21% of the clinical sample.
- The prevalence of self-mutilation was found to be equal between males and females.
- Results indicated that self-mutilation serves to decrease dissociation, emotional distress, and posttraumatic symptoms.
- A significant association was found between childhood sexual abuse and self-mutilation in both clinical and nonclinical samples.
Conclusions:
- Self-mutilation is a prevalent behavior, particularly in clinical settings, and is equally distributed among genders.
- The behavior functions as a maladaptive coping strategy to alleviate intense emotional and psychological pain.
- Childhood sexual abuse is a significant risk factor associated with self-mutilation, highlighting the importance of addressing trauma in treatment.
- These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions for individuals engaging in self-mutilation, especially those with a history of trauma.