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ADOLESCENT SELF-INJURY by Henry O’Brien, School Psychologist

ADOLESCENT SELF-INJURY by Henry O’Brien, School Psychologist. Agenda General information regarding Self-Injury View “Cut: The Movie” (56 minutes) . Role of Parents Contd. Parents…what you need to know

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ADOLESCENT SELF-INJURY by Henry O’Brien, School Psychologist

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  1. ADOLESCENT SELF-INJURY by Henry O’Brien, School Psychologist Agenda General information regarding Self-Injury View “Cut: The Movie” (56 minutes)

  2. Role of Parents Contd. Parents…what you need to know If you believe your child is suicidal, IMMEDIATELY contact your therapist, if you have one or call 911 Self-injury is a strong risk for suicide Take suicidal statements seriously

  3. Definition of Self-Injury Deliberate self-inflicted harm resulting in tissue damage without the conscious intent of suicide Behaviors include (but are not limited to): Cutting, scratching Burning Interfering with the healing of wounds Hitting or biting oneself Head banging Hair pulling

  4. Incidence & Onset 4% in the general population = numbers of males and females (though more females present for treatment) Typical onset: puberty though can be seen in young children and adults Often lasts 5-10 years But can last longer without treatment

  5. Background Factors Found in = numbers in all ethnic groups Nearly 50% report physical/sexual abuse (At least 50% have NOT reporting abuse) Many report that they were discouraged from expressing emotion, particularly anger and sadness Feelings of emptiness, over/under stimulated Unable to express feelings Lonely, fearful of intimate relationships or adult responsibility Feeling invalidated/disconnected from parents

  6. Behavior Patterns Cutting arm/legs most common practice May attempt to conceal injuries (long sleeves/pants) Often make excuses Significant # also struggle with eating disorders/substance/alcohol abuse Big difference between self decorating (tattoos/piercings) and self harm Teens who self harm are seeking relief from emotional distress

  7. Warning Signs Unexplained, frequent injuries including cuts and bruises Wearing of long pants/sleeves in warm weather Low self-esteem Overwhelmed by feelings Inability to function at home, school or work Inability to maintain stable relationships

  8. Dangers Can become desperate about lack of self-control and addictive-like nature of acts May lead to true suicidal attempts Self-injury may cause more harm than intended. Can result in medical complications or death Eating disorders/AODA intensifies threat to overall health and quality of life

  9. Purpose of Self-Injury Feelings of Emptiness Over/under stimulated Unable to express feelings Lonely Not understood by others Fearful of intimate relationships and adult responsibilities Way to cope with or relieve painful/hard to express feelings Relief is temporary Self-destructive cycle often develops without treatment Wanting to fit in Feeling emotionally dead inside Self harm feels alive and confirms existence Coping strategy

  10. Therapies Cognitive Behavior Therapy Gestalt Therapy Reality Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Steven Levenkron/Audio Discussion of Therapies

  11. Role of Parents • Parents…what you need to know • 2. Some parents find it hard to deal with their own emotional response.. • Don’t minimize the problem (assuming that he/she is just doing it “for attention” • Know that self-injury is never a healthy coping strategy. It is an indication that the child is having trouble coping with stressful issues and emotions. • Some teens are more open with a professional than their parent • Don’t overreact…result could be more hiding of behavior

  12. Role of Parents Contd. Parents…what you need to know Injuring is a coping strategy and not the problem itself Instead of focusing on behavior understand that the child needs help to identify and express emotional issues verbally

  13. Resources Whitlock, J. L., Powers, J. L., & Eckenrode, J. (2006). The virtual cutting edge: The internet and adolescent self-injury. Developmental Psychology, 42(3), 407-417. doi:10.1037/0012-1649.42.3.407 Plante, L. G. (2007). Bleeding to ease the pain: Cutting, self-injury, and the adolescent search for self. Westport, CT, US: Praeger Publishers/Greenwood Publishing Group. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/621696309?accountid=34899

  14. Resources Contd. Hodgson, S. (2004). Cutting through the silence: A sociological construction of self-injury. Sociological Inquiry, 74(2), 162-179. doi:10.1111/j.1475-682X.2004.00085.x Nock, M. K., & Deliberto, T. L. (2009). In Galanter C. A., Jensen P. S. (Eds.), Cutting helps me feel better: Nonsuicidal self-injury. Arlington, VA, US: American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/621924292?accountid=34899

  15. Student Case Study Name: Donna Gender: Female Age: 15 yrs 8 months Lives with biological mother/only child Academic Standing: Gpa: 1.9 FAIR Results: 49 FCAT Results: Level 1 in Reading, Math & Writing Not completing assignments regularly.

  16. Case Study Contd. Special Education: SLD & EBD 2009 AND 2011: Spent time in intense behavior modification program. Does not keep relationships for long. Evaluations: CDI & RCMAS/ BOTH SIGNIFICANT DSM-IV DIAGNOSIS:309.28 Mixed Anxiety and Depressed Mood

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