Year: 1985 Source: International Congress for Suicide Prevention and Crisis Intervention, (13th: 1985: Vienna), 5p. SIEC No: 19861167

It is contended that self mutilation is often confused with suicidal behavior. Presented is the thesis that self mutilation is generally distinguishable from suicide & it requires substantially different understanding & treatment. A study of 50 self mutilating adolescents is described which identifies a variety of predisposing childhood factors & activating adolescent factors. Implications for treatment are discussed. 5 refs. NBB