Citation

Moorey S. Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy 2010; 24(2): 135-149.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Association for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy in the National Health Service)

DOI

10.1080/02668731003708061

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Deliberate non-fatal acts of self-harm, including self-poisoning and self-injury are a significant public health challenge: the incidence of self-harm in young people is in the region of 7-14%. This paper considers the application of cognitive behaviour therapy to people who harm themselves through attempted suicide or self-injury. Models and interventions for self-harm based on problem-solving, Beck's cognitive therapy and other cognitive behaviour therapies are considered, as well as interventions for this behaviour used within the context of treatments for borderline personality disorder. A model of coping with adversity, based on a combination of Lazarus & Folkman's theory of stress and coping and Beck's cognitive therapy is presented. The model is then used to consider how people who self-harm may be helped to better manage the consequences of affective arousal in stressful situations. © 2010 The Association for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy in the NHS.

Language: en

Keywords

adult; human; female; case report; suicide attempt; suicidal behavior; Deliberate self-harm; Attempted suicide; article; self report; automutilation; patient care; priority journal; cognitive therapy; emotion; coping behavior; problem solving; borderline state; Problem-solving; arousal; Coping with adversity; Lazarus theory of stress and coping; Self-injury, cognitive behaviour therapy