It is hypothesized that early caretaking processes have a powerful role in the development of self-destruction through the formation of alterations in the experience of the body & negative attitudes toward the body. Such body experience & attitudes are believed to interact with anguish, hopelessness, & mounting stress & culminate in self-destruction. Some of the destructive processes intervening between distorted caretaking, experiences of & attitudes toward the body include: lack of moderating self-directed aggression, lack of attunement to bodily needs, lack of representational learning to care for the body, symbolized hate toward the body, distorted perception of pain & pleasure, & dissociation. (72 refs.)