Distinguishing Self-Mutilation From Suicide: a Definitional Approach (IN: Self-Mutilation: Theory, Research and Treatment, by B W Walsh and P M Rosen)

In this chapter, the authors focus on the definitional aspects of distinguishing self-mutilation from suicide. The intent of this chapter is to review Shneidman’s 10 “common characteristics” of suicidal behavior and to discuss them in counter-point to 10 basic characteristics of self-mutilative behavior. The authors expand on Shneidman’s discussion of suicide and parasuicide, and identify several points of disagreement. By doing so, they hope to provide a comprehensive definition of self-mutilation.