Self-Harm among a Sample of Adolescents in Abbassia Mental Hospital

Abstract

Self-harm is an adolescent phenomenon, Self-harm refers to the intentional, purposeful, and socially unacceptable infliction of bodily harm without suicidal intent. Also known as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), it is a puzzling, disturbing, and often poorly understood behavior prevalent in all cultures and across all socioeconomic levels. Self-harm is often misunderstood and young people may feel stigmatized and ashamed. It does affect all age groups, but studies have consistently shown a peak in mid adolescence. The majority of people who self-harm are aged between 11 and 25 years. It is also a critical public health issue. It reflects and creates emotional distress. Some researchers have categorized self-mutilation as a form of self-injury. Self-injury is characterized as any sort of self-harm that involves inflicting injury or pain on one’s own body. Examples of self-injury excessive or dangerous use of mind altering substances such as alcohol and eating disorders and cutting the skin with a knife or razor until pain is felt or blood has been drawn. Burning the skin with an iron, or more commonly with the ignited end of a cigarette is also a form of self-mutilation.