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The Psychophysiology of Self-Mutilation

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 09:44 authored by Haines, J, Williams, CL, Brain, KL, Wilson, GV
Self-mutilators' psychophysiological and subjective responses during an imaged self-mutilative act were examined. Differences in arousal to 3 imaged control events (neutral, accidental injury, and aggression) were examined between 3 self-mutilation groups (prisoner, prisoner control, and non-prison control). Imagery scripts were presented in 4 stages: scene setting, approach, incident, and consequence. Results indicated a decrease in psychophysiological and subjective response during self-mutilation imagery. No such decrease was evident for nonmutilators who we administered standard self-mutilation imagery. A lag between psychophysiological and psychological response to the self-mutilative act was evident. Responses elicited during self-mutilation imagery were different from those of control imagery. Results indicated that self-mutilative behavior is maintained by its reinforcing tension-reducing qualities.

History

Publication title

Journal of Abnormal Psychology

Volume

104

Pagination

471-489

ISSN

0021-843X

Department/School

School of Psychological Sciences

Publisher

Amer Psychological Assoc

Place of publication

Washington

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Other health not elsewhere classified

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