Cutting

What would cause a person to want to inflict pain onto herself?

Historical Roots

“Cutters,” the common term used to refer to those individuals practice self-injury or self-mutilation, is not a new disorder. There are numerous historical accounts of “self-flagellation” that arose after the death of Christ. In this practice, many clergy and layman flogged themselves as a mean of penance. This has continued throughout history spreading over centuries as a way to pay for your sins. In the last couple of decades, more and more cases of self-harm have been reported as noted in by research in the book “Cutting” by Levenkron, 2006. Is it because there are numerous films or television shows that have sensationalized individuals practicing in this, or is it due to a lack of reporting? There is some evidence in research that suggests individuals that are exposed to someone that self-harms might be more likely to try it themselves (2006).

Behaviors that Lead to Cutting

For the purpose of this article, it is important to point out that this type of behavior will be made separate from the behaviors that are often found in individuals with autism, schizophrenia, and other forms of psychotic disorders. This article will focus more on these behaviors used by individuals that lack better tools to deal with stressors or emotional pain they are experiencing.

The DSM-V calls this disorder non-suicidal self-injury that is characterized as repeated, shallow inflictions to the surface of the body. This may be by cutting, burning, or even picking at the skin or injuries, not allowing them to heal. Individuals may use a razor or other sharp object for cutting, an eraser or cigarette for burning. The main motivation is to reduce negative emotions, such as tension, anxiety, and self-reproach. Much like what has been noted in historical cuttings, it is often used as a sense of penance.

Typically, More Females are Cutters

Historically, self-injury tended to be classified as gender specific because there are more reports that females tend to participate in this type of behavior. It also shows up more in adolescence. However, it is not solely found in those two categories. There are many similarities made with self-injury and other disorders such as eating disorders, OCD and others. When an individual experiences psychological or emotional pain, there is a sense of not having any control over it. Research suggests that self-harm tends to be about regaining a sense of control (Bennett and Ogden, 2006). Individuals are able to control when the pain starts, how strong it will be, and when it stops, whereas this sense of control is often not possible with psychological or emotional pain that is often not the case. An individual that practices in this behavior for the most part will try to hide it, often wearing long sleeves and long pants because there is a sense of shame that is attached to it.

What actually causes an individual to self-harm is not always the same. It may be that the individual experienced early sexual or physical abuse, neglect or abandonment. It has also been found in perfectionists and goes with the understanding that it is a sense of penance when there has been a mistake made or the individual did not achieve something that they believed they should have.

Early Intervention is Key

Research suggests that is very important to address this behavior as early as possible. If it goes untreated, it becomes a habit and then treatment becomes more difficult. Individuals that self-harm should seek help from an individual that has had experience in working with individuals that partake in this behavior. There is a need to find a therapist that is knowledgeable, empathetic, nurturing and optimistic. To simply tell a person to stop is not enough. Often, they need some type of replacement behavior and tools to help cope when stressful situations arise.

References

Levenkron, S. (2006) Cutting- Understanding and Overcoming Self-Mutilation. WW Norton, New York.

Bennett, A. & Ogden J. (2015) Self-harm as a means to manage the public and private self. Health Psychology Open 52-53.

The DSM-V was used to define non-suicidal self-injury.

Elizabeth Burright, M.A. PPSC, has been in public education for 24 years. She spent four years as a middle school math and science teacher, the remaining 20 as a school counselor for middle school grades 5-8. She received her MA/PPSA at APU and her culmination project was on self-harm. She has been an adjunct professor at Concordia University Irvine since 2014.