Self-Inflicted and Other-Inflicted Intentional Burns Versus Unintentional Burns: a Comparison Study

This study examined group differences between intentional & unintentional burn injuries, comparing 109 individuals with self-inflicted & 109 individuals with other-inflicted burns to an unintentional burn group. Those were intentional burn injuries (self- & other-inflicted) were more likely to be young, female, unmarried, unemployed, abuse substances, & have positive alcohol/drug screens at hospital admission. Individuals with intentional burns reported more psycholoical distress, lower quality of life in some areas, & lower life satisfaction. The self-inflicted burn group had high rates of suicide ideation at discharge & follow-up. Treatment implications for burn treatment providers are discussed.