ABSTRACT
Given the span of ages and developmental stages represented in the adult group, three cases will be discussed to provide a variety of examples specific to self-injury and suicidal behaviors. Rhonda, a White 35-year-old female with a history of adolescent NSSI, is recently divorced, has a history of domestic violence victimization, and is re-entering the workforce outside of the home after caring for young children in the home. The case of Jimmy will highlight the issues of a 55-year-old Black male struggling with recent alcohol abuse, history of narcotics abuse, and untreated intermittent NSSI throughout his life. Dean, a 68-year-old white male whose partner recently passed from cancer, has a history of non-suicidal self-injury dating back to adolescence. Dean is struggling to cope with the death of his partner along with his Parkinson's disease diagnosis and progression. Each of these cases will be conceptualized using current research indicators for risk and protective factors (which will be reviewed in more depth in Part II) while integrating evidence-based and professionally accepted practices.
