Self-Injurious Behaviour: A Threat to Adolescence

Introduction

            Self-injurious behavior among adolescents has to be considered as a serious threat to the personality development during adolescence. Self-injurious behavior has been defined as an act of attempting to alter a mood or emotional state by inflicting physical harm serious enough to cause tissue damage to one’s body without leading to a result of death. The forms of self-injury vary and can include scratching, cutting, self-hitting and burning.

            Self-injurious behavior of adolescents was first reported in the Western countries especially in USA. But now this trend has been seen in India too, especially in the urban areas. School counselors often become aware of self-injurious behavior before parents, family members and persons outside the school setting. This is mainly because self-injurious behaviour becomes more visible in the school setting. Adolescents who self-injure typically begin the behavior in middle school and will often continue to their late twenties.

            Adolescents who self-injure may feel a sense of relief following the act of self-injury, but also may feel hurt, anger, fear and hate. Several life experiences correlate with self-injurious behavior in adolescents including parental loss, violence in the family, childhood illness, childhood sexual abuse or rape etc. As the society progresses due to technological advancements, new factors may emerge and result in self-injurious behavior. The major predictors of self-injurious behavior are discussed below.

a)      Family violence

Violence in the family creates stress and conflict among the adolescent. This conflict may adversely affect his relation with outside world and often result in peer conflict. The violence in the family is transferred to the outer space especially in schools. This violence is seen while the adolescent is engaging in competitions and interaction with peers.

b)     Sexual abuse

In the contemporary society sexual abuse of adolescents is increasing day by day. The haunting memories of sexual abuse before the adolescence period is also result in self-injurious behavior. Once a person is sexually abused the emotional level of that person will always vary in different situations. These variations in the emotional level result in self-injurious behavior.

c)      Cyber bullying

Cyber bullying involves the use of information and communication technologies such as e-mail, mobile phones, social net work sites, defamatory personal websites and online personal polling websites, to support deliberate, repeated and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others. Cyber bullying has also been referred to as ‘online social cruelty’ or ‘electronic bullying’.

            It is important to be aware that cyber bullies do not typically mirror traditional schoolyard bullies. Unlike the latter, who can be identified easily, cyber bullies are often anonymous, have good relationship with teachers and fear loss of computer privileges. Some of the basic symptoms of cyber bullies are:-

·         Displays frustration

·         Shows agitation when cannot use computer

·         Possesses several online accounts in different names

·         Closes monitor when others around

Strategies to cope with self-injurious behaviour

1.      Educating parents and teachers about self-injury

Parents and teachers should understand that self-injurious behaviour typically begins around the age of 14 and that the behaviour is used as a coping mechanism to relieve unwanted emotions. The parents and teachers may also be informed about different t forms of self-injury.

2.      Dispelling myths surrounding self-injury

There are several myths surrounding those who self injure and parents and teachers should be aware of some of the myths in order to further heighten their awareness. One of the myths is that students who self-injure are trying to manipulate others. Another myth is that self-injurious behaviour is synonymous with suicide. Self-injurious behaviours are performed for various reasons, but are usually not suicidal in nature. Another myth surrounding self-injurious behaviour is that self-injures are dangerous and will hurt others. Self-injurious behaviour is not violent toward others as it is performed to release emotional pain.

3.      Knowing and understanding limitations in regard to self-injury

It is important for parents and teachers to know that a self injurer cannot be forced to stop hurting him or herself. Any type of punishment a parent or teacher gives is not likely to help stop the self-injurious behaviour.

4.      Trying to remain patient with those who self-injure

Adolescents who self-injure tend to have a defensive barrier separating themselves from others. Self-injurers use this to protect their privacy. One of the best ways to help diffuse this barrier is to express compassion and understanding.