Self-injurious Behavior

The Child Advocate is devoted to children and the parents and professionals that work with them and advocate for them. Self-injurious behavior is a major problem for children and their families. Part of this information is presented with the permission of Amy Gedeon, Jill Flemming High and Shilpa Patel of The Penn State College of Medicine. The information presented at this site is for general use only and is not intended to provide personal advice or substitute for the advice of a qualified professional. If you have questions about the information presented here, please consult a physician, the resources listed or other professional in your area.

Helpful Information

Suicide and safety issues

Suicides among young people are a serious problem. Each year in the U.S., thousands of youth commit suicide. In 2013, suicide was the second leading cause of death for 15-to-24-year-olds, and a major cause of death for 5-to-14-year-olds. [button...

Self Mutilative Behavior

Understanding Self Mutilative Behavior Jill Flemming High Penn State College of Medicine March 2005 Self Mutilative Behavior (SMB) definition: -Deliberate damage to one’s own body tissue without suicidal intent -Part of the larger class of self-injurious behavior...

Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB) in Adolescents

Self-Injurious Behavior (SIB) in Adolescents: an Important Consideration as a Risk Factor for Suicide Shilpa Patel Penn State College of Medicine March 2003 I. Epidemiology Adolescent Suicide “Each year, 1 in 5 teens in the US seriously...

Skin-picking and Self-injurious Behavior

Skin-picking as a form of self-injurious behavior Amy Gedeon Penn State College of Medicine September 2002 Self-Mutilation Intentional infliction of bodily injury to oneself, without intent to die Three types Severe but infrequent – e.g. amputation; associated with...

Helpful Links

Self-injurious Behavior – Facts for Families