This study examines the phenomenon of wrist cutting, attempting to identify those at risk for this behavior & to understand motivational factors. The author tested & interviewed 3 inpatients of a MHC who had cut their wrists & compares findings with that of earlier sociobiologicl studies. It is suggested that there are 5 types of wrist cutters that can be classified as adolescent-hysterical, episodic-depersonalized, deluded-psychotic, neurologically impaired & those with true suicidal intent.