Self-injurious Behavior in Adolescence and Child Abuse: Exploratory Study in a City of the State of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Abstract

Abstract This article discusses the results of a research on the characteristics of self-injury of adolescents in a city in the interior of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The study was carried out with a sample of 50 subjects of both genders, aged between 10 and 16 years, denounced for the practice of self-mutilation by public schools. Interviews were conducted with the participants and their guardians, obtaining data on the characterization, motivation for the practice of self-injury, sociodemographic profile and applicable referrals made. Data analysis was performed by categorizing the interviews with a simple and relative frequency survey. Most participants were female (80.0%), with an average 12.8 years of age, living in monoparental homes (36.0%) exposed to domestic violence (32.3%) and/or child abuse condition (23.1%). The most common behavior was to cause self-injury using a sharp object (76.4%), mainly affecting arms, hands or wrists (72.0%), with such behavior lasting an average period of 10.9 months. In 40% of cases, parents or family members identified self-injury, but most participants (52.0%) were not referred for specialized treatment. It is concluded that, by knowing this type of self-harm, the design of effective prevention measures and assistance actions can be structured.