Citation

Vanderhoff HA, Lynn SJ. J. Threat Assess. 2001; 1(1): 91-109.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J177v01n01_07

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The detection and assessment of self-mutilation poses significant clinical challenges. This state of affairs is unfortunate insofar as self-mutilation is not a rare event, self-mutilating behaviors can range from superficial to severe, and self-mutilation can be distinguished from more lethal, suicidal behaviors, which often receive greater attention in the clinical context. In this article, we discuss a number of complexities in identifying self-mutilating behaviors, examine a variety of clinical correlates of this phenomenon, elucidate important assessment considerations, and advance a framework for evaluating individuals at high risk for perpetrating acts of self-mutilation.