Chapter
Self-Injurious or Self-Mutilative Behavior (IN: Suicide and Self-Damaging Behavior: a Sociobiological Perspective)
deCatanzaro D
This chapter discusses self-injurious behavior (SIB), which is repetitive behavior that produces immediate physical damage to the individual. The learning & biological approaches to SIB are described. Learning theorists suggest SIB develops through operant conditioning as it elicits attention from observers. Biological approaches suggest SIB results from mental deficiencies or genetic mutations. Environment abnormalities (e.g. acute stress, social isolation) are also suggested as causes.