Self-injurious behavior in Portuguese adolescents

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Goncalves, SF (Author) Other; Martins, C (Author) Other; Rosendo, AP (Author) Other; Machado, BC (Author) Other; Silva, E (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Psicothema

Vol. 24 No. 2

Pages: 536-541

ISSN: 0214-9915

Publisher: Colegio Oficial de Psicologos

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 18 Citations

Scopus - 19 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-443

Abstract (EN): In order to assess the frequency and correlates of self-injurious behavior (SIB), 569 Portuguese adolescents aged 12 to 20 years completed questionnaires assessing SIB and psychopathological symptoms. Almost 28% (n = 158) reported a lifetime history of SIB and nearly 10% had performed it in the previous month. The most frequently injured body parts were arms, hands and nails. Most of the self-injurers admit that "now and then" they feel some "mild" to "moderate" pain during SIB. Most of them admitted using these behaviors to avoid/suppress negative feelings, painful images or memories, to punish themselves and to avoid doing something bad. Positive emotions increased significantly after SIB. The self-injurer group reported more psychopathological symptoms. SIB appears to be a common phenomenon with specific functions in adolescence and this must be addressed by clinicians and educational professionals.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 6