Adolescence is a period full of discoveries and challenges for children and parents. Research shows that Brazilian teenagers and young adults, mostly between the ages of 12 and 30, find self-harm to turn emotional pain into physical pain.

The disorder is characterized by the intentional infliction of harm, which is not done with the intent to take one’s own life. Most of the time, the pain of a cut materializes feelings of emptiness, sadness, longing, or anger at oneself. Injuries are usually superficial and small, in areas that may be covered by clothing, such as the inside of the arms and thighs.

Self-harm is a sign that something is not right in a teenager’s or young person’s life, and possible causes include bullying, abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual), or lack of family support. Self-harm can also be associated with depression, anxiety, or an eating disorder.

Check out the motivations for self-harm among teenagers – Photo: Freepik/Disclosure/ND

Therefore, it is important to be aware of the signs of self-harm in children. But more importantly, the parents don’t downplay or see it as a mere attempt to get attention.

Self-harm can be associated with such serious psychological problems that, if not properly treated, develop into even more difficult situations. Therefore, it is necessary to seek medical and psychological help in order to shorten the cycle and stop the negative effects of the practice.

Research brings information about self-harm

The study, coordinated by Antonio Augusto Pinto Jr., PhD in Clinical Psychology and Professor at UFF (Federal University of Fluminense), is titled “Study of ego structuring and personality in self-mutilating adolescents.” The research aims to understand what emotional and affective aspects are associated with this practice.

The project originated at the request of educators at the Volta Redonda public schools in southern Rio de Janeiro, who complained that some of their students were injuring themselves.

According to the expert, a methodology has been developed to understand this phenomenon, which affects many adolescents and teenagers in the municipality.

Research results

Schools in the municipality entered 80 young people between the ages of 10 and 16 for the study, and 61 of them completed all the procedures and made up the sample.

With the help of psychological tests and clinical interviews, the personality characteristics of adolescents were revealed and the profile of young people who use self-harm to overcome suffering was outlined.

“The outcome of this study requires action, intervention projects, listening and welcoming these young people who are showing this type of disorder,” said Antonio Augusto.

Most identifications were made by teachers, not parents – Photo: Freepik/Disclosure/ND

In addition, another result of the study concerns the tools used: mainly sharp objects were found, such as a razor, a sharpener and a stylus. And the selected parts of the body are mainly the arms, hands or wrists.

The researcher warns that they self-mutilate but hide the cuts. Thus, parents should watch out for certain behaviors, such as wearing long sleeves at all times, even on hot days. He notes that it’s also important to keep an eye out for sharp objects, especially when young people are very isolated.

Booklet created by the Ministry of Health

In 2020, the Ministry of Health produced a brochure on the subject in partnership with PAHO (Pan American Health Organization), WHO (World Health Organization) and the Brazilian Psychiatric Association.

The material is intended for young people from 15 to 18 years old. He collected information, warning signs, prevention measures, protective measures, help channels and other important information.

“Self-mutilation, also called self-mutilation or self-mutilation, refers to injury to a part of a person’s own body done knowingly (not accidentally) and without the intent to die by methods that are unacceptable in society,” writes the statement.

Tattoos, piercings, earrings, or other forms of body marking for tribal rituals or public display are not considered self-mutilation.

The booklet states that the most common purpose of self-harm is to relieve and reduce stress, even for a short period. When self-harming, the self-harming person feels that the emotional pain is overshadowed by the physical pain, giving the impression of instant relief.

Motivation for self-harm

In 83% of cases analyzed in the UFF survey, motives for behavior appear to be related to unresolved family conflicts such as domestic violence and victimization.

In the form of victimization, physical and sexual abuse, psychological abuse and negligence of the perpetrators are manifested. The survey indicates that negligence is related to the total number of young people who were not referred to any of the psychiatric services, which exceeds 50%.

The study also shows that self-harm is associated with a depressed personality — Photo: Freepik/Disclosure/ND

The study also shows that self-harm is associated with a depressed personality, warning of greater risks. António reports that these activities are a gateway to suicidal behavior or practice.

The researcher points out that in the vast majority of cases, the identification of practice was carried out by the teacher, and not by the parents. Thus, it is important for Antonio that educational professionals are trained and trained to quickly identify different types of psychological disorders during childhood and adolescence.

With the results achieved, the study should expand into collaborative projects with schools that sent adolescents to develop initiatives aimed at preventing and combating the practice of self-harm.

The initiative should also include an approach to preventing domestic violence.

“These projects aim to open up a listening space to be welcomed. And from this technique, together with the therapist, they can understand, give meaning and rethink this traumatic experience, ”concludes the professor.

*According to the portal R7.