Examined juvenile firesetters of varying degrees to determine predictability of destructive behavior. Developed a prediction equation based on 14 variables, which was found to be accurate 95% of the time. (LBT)

Investigates how childhood maltreatment and current post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) predict nonfatal suicide attempts among 335 African American women. PTSD in combination with any of the maltreatments of childhood increased the risk of suicide attempts. Suggests that interventions designed to reduce suicidal behavior should focus on women…

This case report describes the successful treatment of severe self-injurious behavior in a 16-year-old adolescent with Tourette's disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Treatment is described from initial presentation to the emergency department for severe self-inflicted oral lacerations through discharge from the inpatient psychiatric…

Effective prevention and intervention requires a variety of complementary methods. But arbitrary mixing of methods can lead to confusion and inconsistency. Life Space Crisis Intervention uses strategies drawn from several theories of re-education that meet the twin standards of scientific validity and positive values. LSCI offers a roadmap for…

Colleges and universities throughout the country are attempting to grapple with large numbers of highly self-destructive students. These students pose not only a danger to themselves but to their peers and the college staff who are responsible for their care and welfare. Ordinarily, in the course of dealing with such students a myriad of rather…

Ethical guidelines for behavior analysts state that functional assessment should be used before implementing treatment plans. In this paper, we discuss the ethical implications of this position using self-injurious behavior in people with developmental disabilities as a focus. Evidence is reviewed that suggests that treatment based on results of a…

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is often characterized by multiple low lethality suicide attempts triggered by seemingly minor incidents, and less commonly by high lethality attempts that are attributed to impulsiveness or comorbid major depression. The relationships among life events, impulsiveness, and type of suicidal behavior has hardly…

Self-injurious behavior is the intentional harming of one's own body. Little attention has been given to SIB in the past, particularly in terms of innovative treatment approaches. Adolescents are at a particularly high-risk for developing this ineffectual coping mechanism. School counselors are in a unique position to aid in the identification of…

Acts of deliberate self-harm (DSH) by adolescents are thought to be on the increase. Many of those who self-harm are of school age and it is to be expected that schools (and their teachers) will be aware of the problem and will respond appropriately as part of their pastoral-care provision. However, a recent survey of research in pastoral care and…

Fifty teachers completed a survey to investigate knowledge, self-perceived knowledge, and attitudes regarding self-injury (SI). Teachers were aware of basic facts concerning SI; however, 78% underestimated prevalence, and only 20% felt knowledgeable. Attitudes were mixed, with 48% finding the idea of SI horrifying; however, 68% disagreeing that SI…

There is growing evidence that a functional polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) moderates the impact of negative life events (e.g., childhood abuse) on the development of depression. However, it is unclear whether the gene x environment interaction predicts suicide attempts specifically. In addition, previous studies have not…

Postvention actions are commonly employed after completed suicides and suicide attempts but can be adapted to assist affected family members in dealing with other types of crisis. The authors adapt a postvention model to be applied to systemically working with families who have a member engaging in self-injurious behavior. Recommendations for…

Young offenders internationally have a higher incidence of mental health problems compared with adolescents in the general population. Mental health issues, particularly comorbid presentations, affect the response to and outcome of rehabilitation and hence recidivism of offending. Most information on the mental health of young offenders has…

Voluntary survey responses of adolescents in corrections facilities (N=893) are compared to those of adolescents in public schools. Findings are highlighted in the following areas: (1) "Youth, Their Families and Their Environments," which includes sections on population description, family composition and relationships, family alcohol…

Using the psychoanalytic self-psychology of Heinz Kohut as the theoretical foundation, this article discusses the role of shame in adolescent suicidal behaviors. Shame is described as an essential aspect of adolescent suicidal behavior because of the significance of the stage of adolescence in the development of the healthy self. Normal…