The psychophysiology of self-mutilation: Evidence of tension reduction

Author(s): Haines, J., Williams, C. L.

Journal/Book: Arch Suicide Res. 1998; 4: Spuiboulevard 50, PO Box 17, 3300 AA Dordrecht, Netherlands. Kluwer Academic Publ. 227-242.

Abstract: Psychophysiological and psychological arousal patterns of individuals who self-mutilate during imaged self-mutilation were examined. Imaged control events (accidental injury, anger, neutral) were compared between self-mutilation and control groups. Personalised guided imagery scripts were presented in four stages: scene setting, approach, incident, and consequence. Results depicted a decrease in psychophysiological arousal when self-mutilation participants imaged cutting themselves. A decrease in psychological response was not evident until after cutting. Responses to self-mutilation imagery were different from those demonstrated during control imagery. A comparison of responses to self-mutilation imagery between past and currently self-mutilating participants indicated no difference in the psychophysiological arousal patterns to self-mutilation imagery. A lag was evident for psychological arousal for the retrospective sample but not for the current group. These results indicated that self-mutilative behaviour is maintained by the psychophysiological and psychological tension-reducing qualities of the act. When a person is no longer engaging in the behaviour, the feelings associated with the act are open to reinterpretation.

Note: Article Brain KL, Univ Tasmania, Dept Psychol, GPO Box 252-30, Hobart, Tas 7001, AUSTRALIA

Keyword(s): imagery; self-mutilation; psychophysiology; EMOTIONAL IMAGERY; DISORDER; DIAGNOSIS

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