NCJ Number
47238
Journal
American Journal of Psychiatry Volume: 135 Issue: 5 Dated: (MAY 1978) Pages: 579-582
Date Published
1978
Length
4 pages
Annotation
SELF-DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR IN 59 PHYSICALLY ABUSED CHILDREN AGED 5-12, 30 NEGLECTED CHILDREN, AND 30 CHILDREN WHO HAVE NOT BEEN MALTREATED IS EXAMINED.
Abstract
THE PRESENCE OF SELF-DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR WAS DETERMINED THROUGH INTERVIEWS WITH THE CHILDREN'S MOTHERS OR GUARDIANS. THE ABUSED CHILDREN DEMONSTRATED A SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER INCIDENCE OF SELF-DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR (SELF-INFLICTED BITES, CUTS, BURNS, HAIR PULLING, HEAD BANGING, SUICIDE ATTEMPTS AND THREATS) THAN EITHER OF THE CONTROL GROUPS. IT IS POINTED OUT THAT, IN THE CHILD ABUSE SYNDROME, THE ACTUAL PHYSICAL ASSAULT IS SUPERIMPOSED ON A HARSH, PUNITIVE CHILDREARING CLIMATE AND IS ACCOMPANIED BY LONG-STANDING HUMILIATION, REJECTION, AND SCAPEGOATING INFLICTED ON THE CHILD BY THE PARENT. THE ABUSED CHILD'S RESULTING SENSE OF WORTHLESSNESS, BADNESS, AND SELF-HATRED FORMS THE NUCLEUS FOR SUBSEQUENT SELF-DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR. THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHILD'S SELF-HATRED INTO SELF-DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR IS CATALYZED BY EGO DEFICITS AND BY IMPARIED IMPULSE CONTROL. SELF-DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR IN ABUSED CHILDREN APPEARS TO REPRESENT A LEARNED PATTERN ORIGINATING IN EARLY TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCES. SUPPORTING DATA AND A LIST OF REFERENCES ARE INCLUDED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED--LKM)