De verschillende functies van zelfbeschadigend gedrag binnen een klinische forensische populatie

Functions of non-suicidal self-injurious behavior within a forensic population The prevalence of non-suicidal self-injurious behavior within forensic populations is significantly higher than in non-forensic populations. Self-injurious behavior has a negative effect not only on the physical and mental health wellbeing of the patient him or herself, but also on other patients and treatment staff, and it disrupts a safe living and treatment environment. Also, there is a link between self-injurious behavior and violent behavior toward others. The purpose of the current study is to provide an initial impetus to better understand self-injurious behavior within a forensic population. An existing dataset of incidents of self-injurious behavior was expanded to include additional case information. The functions of the incidents were scored after which analyses were done to determine which functions were most common. Furthermore, differences between males and females were examined, and we tested whether there were differences in severity of self-injurious behavior between the functions. The most common function of self-injurious behavior within this forensic population is Emotion regulation . This function is more common in women than in men. In men, the function Expression of aggression is more common. There are no differences in the severity of self-injurious behavior between the different functions. Based on this study, it is recommended that the functions of self-injurious behavior be discussed more specifically in both patients and professionals directly involved. Also recommended is better and more consistent reporting of incidents of self-injurious behavior. Any form of self-injurious behavior should be taken seriously. Patients, regardless of the function of the self-injurious behavior, are capable of causing serious harm to themselves. More research on the functions of self-injurious behavior within the forensic population is needed, with a desire to expand the research to include data from other forensic settings and more qualitative research on the impact of these behaviors.