Usually, humans understand aggression as behavior directed toward other people. in a defensive function against the threats of others, but not like those directed towards ourselves, since it is assumed that the survival instinct prevails.
Thus, that self-harming behaviors occur especially in adolescence just when one really begins to live, constitutes a problem of growing interest, even more so at a time when suicide is one of the main causes of mortality among adolescents.
Self-harm in adolescents: what is the prevalence and incidence?
It is considered that the proportion of adolescents who present self-harming behavior is between 6-16%, with no significant differences in community samples from different countries.
The incidence is higher among adolescents diagnosed with some psychiatric pathology, specifically, depression, behavioral disorders, and anxiety or anxiety-related disorders. The data also show that self-harm They are more common in children who have gone through an adoption process, and also in those who live in large or single-parent families. Girls self-harm more with cuts, while boys do it more with burns.
What are the most important risk factors?
Between sociodemographic variables the following stand out.
On the other hand, the characteristic variables to highlight are these.
On the other hand, There are also psychopathological variables.
Psychosocial factors also matter
The variables linked to relationships with others, and especially with whom these young people see in their daily lives , They are fundamental. Among them, we must take into account these that are described here.
Regarding family characteristics the following findings have been made:
One in two adolescents who self-harm live in single-parent homes.
Coexistence problems are statistically associated with suicide attempts in adolescents.
The lack of warmth in dealing with other family members and dysfunctional relationships between adolescents (under 16 years of age) and their mothers have been shown to be important predictors of suicide attempts.
How can the family deal with self-harm?
First of all, we must be aware that self-harm is a major problem and, therefore, professional help is always required.
If they have not told you, it is because it is a behavior that is carried out with total secrecy, usually in their room, in the dark or at night, but later they feel guilt, shame or fear for what you will think, for having failed you or for disappointing you. Many times, they have the fear that they will be discovered and end up in a psychiatric unit or admitted to the hospital. For all these reasons, you must be understanding and let your child talk to you about this behavior.
On many occasions, parents mistakenly believe that it is a wake-up call, but the fact that it remains hidden should make you suspect otherwise. Therefore, it is necessary that you become aware of the seriousness, but always with support and understanding. Never think that by talking about the reasons why your daughter self-harms, it will make the situation worse, but on the contrary, it will be a way for her (or him) to release those emotions she has been repressing and that they have caused that emotional pain that leads them to self-harm.
We are aware that you are going to go through periods of fear or uncertainty, but adolescents who self-harm are not aggressive nor do they pose a danger to others. You should tell him that you want to help him, that you are going to support him, but that you are going to do this together with his psychologist and, if necessary, with his psychiatrist.
In our Office we are specialists in Clinical Psychology and Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy and we have extensive experience in self-harm in adolescents. We are here to help you, as a family, and your child.
Bibliographic references
Javierre,E, Amiguet, M., Mengual, JM, Fuertes, A., Ruiz, PM, GarcÃa, N. (2016) The latest among adolescents. The cuts in the skin. Bol.Pediatr. Rioj Sor,46:35
Ibañez-Aguirre,C.(2017) Psychopathological keys to self-aggressive behaviors in adolescence. Journal of Clinical Psychology with Children and Adolescents, vol.4, nº1, pp. 65 – 70.
