ABSTRACT
Self-mutilating behaviors are severely understudied among adolescents in the general population (Goldston, Daniel, & Mayfield, 2006), and we are aware of only one published article that addresses self-mutilation specifically among homeless and runaway adolescents (Tyler, Whitbeck, Hoyt, & Johnson, 2003). Although definitions and attempts at typology diverge on particulars, the most common conceptualization for self-mutilation is “the deliberate, direct destruction or alteration of body tissue without conscious suicidal intent” (Favazza, 1998, p. 260). Self-mutilating behaviors range from very serious injuries such as genital and ocular self-injury to less serious behaviors such as cutting, self-battery, biting, burning, hair pulling, and interfering with wound healing to more passive self-neglect such as stopping or manipulating medication or medical protocols and intentionally putting oneself in harm’s way (Skegg, 2005, review).
