A qualitative analysis of the function and intent of self-mutilative behavior in an adolescent female

Wendy Bedenko

Chicago School of Professional Psychology dissertation, 2001

 

The intent and function of self-mutilative behavior (SMB) was explored in this study, via the progression and analysis of psychotherapeutic treatment with an adolescent female. A single subject case study qualitative design was utilized to explore the idiosyncratic phenomenon of SMB within this adolescent's experience. The data in this study were analyzed according to relevant emergent categories and themes.

 

As discussed in the literature review, Walsh and Rosen (1988) expressed the difficulties of uncovering issues of intent and suggested the need for more research. Suyemoto and MacDonald state, "Narrative research methods with the adolescents themselves are needed to obtain a greater understanding of self-mutilation" (1995, p. 170).

 

The issues forming the first set of working categories within this dissertation were originally culled from the literature concerning the intent and function of SMB. Utilization of these concerns of control, of communication of affect, and of coping evolved into five working thematic interests: issues of control; issues of labeling; affective experiences; struggles to assert voice and claim efficacy; and the search for self-identity and self-knowledge. An additional category evolved from the context of the stated research interest in the process of development as witnessed within the therapy, specifically phases of development as witnessed within the therapy.

 

The themes of Voice, Self, Labeling, Control and Affect were informed by feminist developmental theory, most especially as proposed by Gilligan’s (1982) theory concerning "loss of voice," and Taylor's, Gilligan's, and Sullivan's (1995) research on "resistance." The idea of the need for a political resistance, overtly or covertly, by girls living in a culture of inequality and disdain presents interesting challenges to the ways abnormal behaviors are viewed. This dissertation proposed that SMB may represent a metaphoric, if problematic, form of resistance in some adolescent females.

 

(Adapted for instructional purposes from PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2003 APA)