NCJ Number
163083
Journal
Corrective and Social Psychiatry and Journal of Behavior Technology Methods and Therapy Volume: 41 Issue: 4 Dated: (1995) Pages: 67-70
Date Published
1995
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The problems of self-mutilation and other forms of aggression against the self among prisoners in correctional institutions in Russia is a serious problem and sometimes resembles an epidemic.
Abstract
Self-aggression ranges from hunger strikes, self- infliction of injuries, drug abuse, attempted suicide, and completed suicide. Self-mutilation is the most commonly encountered self-aggressive behavior among inmates. The most common form in Russian institutions is caused by insertion or implantation of various alien objects and substances through the urinary or genital tracts, through soft and hard tissues, and through blood vessels. Cases of self-aggression can be a sign of unsatisfactory interpersonal relationships among inmates, a poor organizational structure in the institution, or an inadequate medical service. Prisoners are creative in finding methods for mutilating themselves; while typically denying suicidal intent, they often mislead staff about their motives for self-mutilating. Despite the frequency of this problem behavior, the social, medical, moral, and legal aspects of this problem are not well understood. Case examples, table, footnotes, and 4 references (Author abstract modified)