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Dianna Stafford
University Writing 1103
Professor Intawiwat
19 November 2014
Causation of Self-Destruction
Many individuals partake in behaviors of self-destruction, otherwise known as self-harm,
on a regular basis. To most, it seems unfathomable that hurting oneself would be a resort to
emotional relief, so why do these particular individuals choose to do so? This essay will attempt
to delve into the minds of those who behave in these ways in order to find the root of why they
make such decisions. By reviewing several journals and published books, a picture will be
painted in hopes of providing a clearer understanding of the thought process behind selfdestructive behaviors and what can be done to try and prevent others from suffering.
Self-mutilation does not have one solid definition; instead, it can be defined by its
characteristics: cutting the skin with a sharp object, eating disorders, pulling hair, and other
forms of hurting oneself by oneself. There are three types of self-harm that an individual can
experience- superficial, stereotypical, and major. Most experience either superficial, very minor,
or stereotypical self-harm in which the individual chooses to harm themselves with cuts,
starvation, substance abuse, etc. Though there are cases of major self-mutilation, involving
amputations of limbs, it is rare to see anyone do so (Simpson); therefore, this essay will focus on
superficial and stereotypical harm.

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Those who self-harm are broken down into two categories: dissociative and nondissociative. Non-dissociative individuals experience a childhood in which they must act as
parental figures as opposed to the parental figures present, in turn leading them to put any anger
they may feel on themselves. In doing so, self-harm becomes a way for said individuals to
express their emotions as they grow older. Those placed in the dissociative group choose to
inflict harm on themselves as a way to center themselves. The need to do so occurs from
feelings of disconnection or even experiences of cruelty by their family, more commonly
parental figures (Simpson). One study taken correlates these findings. Seventy-four individuals
suffering from either a personality disorder or Bipolar disorder were observed for four years and
monitored for any signs of self-harm. Each gave a self-report of their childhood, and the results
were as expected; those who suffered childhood traumas such as abuse (especially sexual or
physical) were much more likely to harm themselves. It is hypothesized that such experiences
typically lead to self-destructive behavior, but lack of healthy relationships as a young adult
continues the cycle (Childhood Origins of Self-Destructive Behavior). In fact, hospitals across
America receive approximately 225 patients per one hundred thousand as a result of self-harm
taking place in individuals between the ages of seven and twenty-four, according to an
international study conducted between 1997 and 2002 (Olfson).

Self-mutilating individuals are often hard to detect; most are actually likeable, smart, and
able to function in normal life. The difference lies in the way they deal with overwhelming
emotions- they often feel hopeless and unable to verbally express their feelings, so they harm
themselves as a sort of emotional release. Many misconstrue tattoos and/or piercings as forms of
self-harm, but in reality these actions are simply chosen as a way of expressing oneself despite

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the pain, not seeking to feel pain as a way of dealing with the overabundance of negative
emotion (Simpson).
In more extreme cases of self-destructive behavior, suicidal thoughts and feelings not
only occur, but attempt to become a reality. Those who feel suicidal express the desire to take
their own life, but it is not simply for theatrics. Suicide is seen as an escape from the pain, a way
to leave it all behind forever, and it is an act of desperation. Perceived as not just an option, but
the only option, victims are typically overtaken by serious guilt and/or emotional pain.
Psychoanalysts such as Wilhelm Stekel theorized that suicidal persons committed such acts as a
way to express their hatred of another individual; however, that is inaccurate. In truth, the only
hostility found in suicidal acts is directed towards the person who chose to take their life,
whether it be by the person committing the act or individuals who provoked them to do so
(Shneidman). Nearly 70 percent of self-harming persons report having attempted suicide at least
once in their lifetime. In addition, it has come to light that the homosexual and bisexual
community tend to report higher rates of suicide as opposed to the heterosexual population. For
example, the risk of depressive disorders is roughly 1.5 times higher for homosexuals and
bisexuals than that of heterosexuals (King). Many individuals who report either homosexuality
or bisexuality tend to experience a higher level of social discrimination, even by their own
parents, which strongly correlates to the previous reports of causation in relation to selfdestructive behavior. With this information, it can be deducted that any form of extreme social
discrimination can trigger these destructive thoughts and actions.
Treatment for self-destructive behaviors can range anywhere from art therapy to personal
counseling. The effectiveness of the treatment not only depends on the patient, but also the
professional treating them; for instance, grimacing at wounds or scars seen on the victim evokes

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negative emotions and can disrupt any progress being made. It is of utmost importance to
promote positive emotions and to help the patient deal with their emotional trauma in a healthy
way (Simpson). Unfortunately, there is no guarantee of success, but many have found comfort in
treatment.
There are a variety of events that can lead one to harm themselves, but in the end it all
boils down to a perceived (or realistic) lack of acceptance by an individuals loved ones and/or
peers. Moreover, familial isolation and mistreatment can be a major factor in the actions of selfdestructive persons. By mutilating themselves, victims of these experiences seek emotional
release, and it can often lead to suicidal thoughts and attempts. These people are victims of their
own mind and it is important that they find help before it is too late. Self-destruction is caused by
trauma, but can be treated with love.