''Why don't you do it properly?'' Young women who self-injure

Author(s): Farrand, J.

Journal/Book: J Adolescence. 1996; 19: 24-28 Oval Rd, London, England NW1 7DX. Academic Press (London) Ltd. 111-119.

Abstract: Analysis of interviews with four self injuring young women suggests that the meaning of self-injury is not the same as the meaning of attempted suicide, and that the two acts are related in the sense that self-injury is an adaptive alternative to suicide. The function of self-injury as a communicative act and the extent to which self-injurers can control their actions are also discussed. It is suggested that, within the context of self-injury as survival, issues of communication and control do not have the significance that they are frequently supposed to have. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.

Note: Article Y Solomon, Univ Lancaster, Dept Educ Res, Lancaster LA1 4YL, England

Keyword(s): ADOLESCENTS; BEHAVIOR; HARM

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