Citation

Valente SM. J. Psychosoc. Nurs. Ment. Health Serv. 1991; 29(12): 19-25.

Affiliation

University of Southern California, Los Angeles.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Healio)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

1774696

Abstract

Self-injury is a significant clinical problem of psychiatric patients, although the prevalence of self-injury in specific disorders is unclear. Nurses can assess and intervene in the psychological causes and behavioral sequelae self-injury. Each patient's early history, dynamics, and motives for self-injury require evaluation. Behavioral techniques (eg, reinforcement) and psychodynamic techniques, such as exploring feelings and anxiety, can help patients understand their self-destructive tendencies. Patients can learn to anticipate anxiety-provoking situations, plan strategies to manage anxiety, cope with feelings, and reduce self-injury.

Language: en