This research paper dives into the details of five separate articles that report on the social issue of self-harm. The research was conducted both on and off-line, the off-line research being surveys given to a class of high school students. This paper will explain what selfharm is, the causes, the effects, and the treatment that can be used to help if not cure selfharm.
Contrary to belief, cutting is not the only type of self-harm, unfortunately there are several ways one can hurt themselves in a non-suicidal manner. Burning, scratching, hitting, preventing wounds from healing, and bone breaking are all considered to be parasuicidal (injurious behavior without suicidal intent) actions. The articles suggest that self-injurious behavior is an impulse control disorder that is comparable to an addiction such as cocaine or heroin. It is also suggested that self injurious behavior disorders can be treated, and the victim of the addiction can go on to live a normal life as they learn to control their overwhelming impulses to harm themselves.
Table of Contents
1. Abstract
2. Self-Harm: Acceptance, and Treatment
Research Objectives and Topics
This paper aims to demystify the social issue of self-harm by examining its true nature as an impulse-control disorder rather than a suicide attempt, while investigating the triggers, societal misconceptions, and potential paths to recovery for affected individuals.
- The psychological nature of self-harm as an addiction
- Common misconceptions regarding self-injurious behavior
- The impact of social media and societal stigma on teens
- Empirical findings from surveys on youth self-harm awareness
- Effective therapeutic interventions like CBT and DBT
Excerpt from the Book
Self-Harm: Acceptance, and Treatment.
One in every four people have self-injured at some point in their life, and one in every three teens in high school self-harm, (DeVito, Julie 2011). That means that in a school of eight-hundred students there are two-hundred-sixty-four students that have, or will partake in self-harm. Since social media has increased the awareness of self-harm, those who already self-harm are becoming more afraid to reach out for help. With suicide on the rise as well, it is often assumed that anyone who self-harms, or who has self-harmed, intends to commit suicide. This leads to checking those who self-harm into a psych ward, which causes more problems than the act itself. Our society must adapt and be more willing to accept those who self-harm. If it does not change, then people will continue to treat self-harm as a punishable act rather than the addiction that it really is. People who self-harm need to know that they are accepted, that it is ok to ask for help, and there is a better way to cope with their pain.
Summary of Chapters
1. Abstract: This chapter provides an overview of the research paper, defining self-harm as an impulse control disorder and highlighting the necessity of effective treatment.
2. Self-Harm: Acceptance, and Treatment: This section explores the prevalence of self-harm in youth, discusses the harmful impact of societal stigma and misconceptions, and evaluates therapeutic approaches like CBT and DBT to foster recovery.
Keywords
Self-harm, Parasuicide, Impulse-control disorder, Addiction, Mental health, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Emotional pain, Social media, Societal stigma, Youth, Coping mechanisms, Psychology, Trauma, Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research paper?
The paper examines self-harm as a significant social issue, focusing on its definition, causes, and the urgent need for a more empathetic societal approach to treatment.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The study covers the psychological drivers of self-injury, the role of social media in perpetuating the behavior, the failure of current societal responses, and the efficacy of professional therapies.
What is the main research question or goal?
The goal is to challenge the misconception that all self-harm is a suicide attempt and to argue that it should be treated as a manageable addiction rather than a punishable offense.
Which scientific methods were employed?
The author utilized a qualitative approach, analyzing existing literature from five separate articles and conducting field research via surveys among high school students.
What is addressed in the main body of the work?
The main body details the biological and emotional "feel-good" effects of self-injury, the triggers (such as bullying or family history), and the potential for recovery through clinical support.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
The paper is best defined by terms such as self-harm, impulse-control disorder, addiction, mental health stigma, and therapeutic recovery.
How does the author define the relationship between self-harm and suicide?
The author distinguishes between the two, noting that self-harm is often a form of parasuicide or addiction management, whereas the public mistakenly equates all self-injury with a desire for suicide.
What specific therapeutic interventions are highlighted as effective?
The paper identifies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for addressing cognitive distortions and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for managing uncomfortable emotions as the two most effective treatments.
- Quote paper
- Dakoda Jorgensen (Author), 2015, Self-Harm. Acceptance and Treatment, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/295554
