Citation

Hielscher E, Whitford TJ, Scott JG, Zopf R. Neurosci. Biobehav. Rev. 2019; 101: 85-112.

Affiliation

Perception in Action Research Centre & Department of Cognitive Science, Faculty of Human Sciences, Macquarie University & ARC Centre of Excellence in Cognition and its Disorders, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.03.007

PMID

30878499

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Typically, we try to protect our own bodies and this is supported by internal representations that specify one's body identity, spatial parameters, and bodily sensations, but in self-harm the body becomes the target. First acts of self-harm are typically reported in adolescence. At this age, the body also becomes more salient to one's self-concept. It may be possible that disturbances in representations of one's own body and its sensations contribute to self-harm.

METHODS: To investigate these links, we conducted a systematic review critically examining the potential role of body representation and sensation disturbances in self-harm (non-suicidal/suicidal.) in adolescents/young adults (12-25 years).

RESULTS: The search strategy identified 64 studies (275,183 participants) and overall, young people engaging in self-harm reported greater levels of body dissatisfaction, body disownership, and deficits in the experience and evaluation of bodily sensations compared to non-injuring control groups; however, there was subscale variability and gender differences.

CONCLUSION: Our results emphasise the strong link between body representations and self-protection, as well as a need for investigating self-harm interventions that take body image and awareness into account.

Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Language: en

Keywords

bodily sensations; body image; body representations; self-harm; self-injurious behavior; suicide