A Biological Approach to Two Forms of Human Self-Injury

Abstract

Cases of self-injury [100], comprising 39 self-cutters and 61 self-poisoners, were interviewed when they were able to describe the act. Standardized recordings were made of their mental state before and after the act, together with an account of the social circumstances under which it occurred. Comparison was made with existing animal data on self-injury. Similarities between animal self-injury and self-cutting in man in the form of the injury, the social situation preceding the act and the agitation preceding it were discussed. Similarities also exist, but are less close, for the self-poisoners. The most obvious effect of the act was a reduction in tension; this may constitute its physiological value.