The psychology of self-harming behaviour
There are many forms of self-harming behaviour and numerous
reasons why self-harm begins. One of the most common elements
associated with self-harm is 'compulsion'. Compulsive behaviour
can be seen most clearly in conditions such as Trichotillomania,
where the sufferer repeatedly pulls hair from the scalp,
eyebrows and/or eyelashes. It is unclear why this problem arises
or why it seems to involve an almost overwhelming compulsion.
The sufferer may often pull out hairs in a trance-like state
(daydream) and become almost incapable of acknowledging their
actions until they return to conscious awareness (return from
their dream-like state). This compulsion can be so strong that
some people may resort to radical solutions such as head shaving
- in order to stop their self-harming behaviour.
The result of chronic hair-pulling can frequently cause extreme
embarrassment and is often unfairly judged by others. Societal
attitudes may lead sufferers to feel guilty or ashamed, and even
depressed or withdrawn. When people feel low, they often repeat
the behaviour that caused the original problem, which may in
turn compound their suffering. It is a strange irony that
repetitive and familiar behaviour is often experienced as source
of 'comfort'. Although, this may explain why infants repeatedly
suck their thumbs or older children bite their nails when
feeling anxious or lonely.
It is possible that extreme compulsive behaviour may be
triggered by traumatic life events. For example, physical or
mental abuse, family conflict, neglect, separation or loss may
be contributory factors. Negative stress caused by excessively
busy lives may also result in a need for 'comforting' behaviour.
Therefore, compulsive behaviour should not necessarily be seen
as 'abnormal' or requiring a 'psychiatric diagnosis', but may
simply be a coping strategy for adverse life
events/circumstances. Clearly, when coping strategies become
exaggerated by overwhelming emotional difficulties, they can
appear more complex and problematic to understand. For example,
it may be difficult to view compulsive self-injury, by cutting
or burning, as a means of 'comfort'. However, when individuals
experience continuous conflict within personal relationships, or
perhaps bullying at work, extreme reactions may be
understandable. By repeating familiar behaviour - however
extreme - there may be a sense of comfort. Therefore, whatever
the form of self-harm, and however it begins, it invariably
develops into a compulsive need to repeat a pattern of
behaviour, which appears to offer some relief.