Self-injurious behavior in correctional settings

J Correct Health Care. 2010 Jan;16(1):48-66. doi: 10.1177/1078345809348212. Epub 2009 Oct 26.

Abstract

This article reviews the literature concerning self-injury among criminal offenders. It describes many of the problems, barriers, and obstacles to effective assessment and treatment of self-injury and discusses the absence of a clear paradigm within which to develop a classification system and standardized nomenclature to describe the spectrum of self-injurious behaviors. This article distinguishes between self-injury resulting from suicidal versus nonsuicidal intent, presents treatment strategies for managing each, and concludes with a proposed set of eight recommended goals for creating a national strategy to develop self-injury programming in correctional settings.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Counseling
  • Humans
  • Mental Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Prisons*
  • Referral and Consultation
  • Risk Factors
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / classification
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / diagnosis*
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / therapy*
  • Social Support
  • Suicide / psychology
  • Suicide Prevention*
  • Terminology as Topic