Науково-методологічні підходи до дослідження проблеми селфхарму у психологічній теорії та практиці

The purpose of this article is to systematize scientific and methodological approaches to the analysis of self-harm and to empirically investigate its manifestations among adolescent boys and girls. The objectives of the study include the analysis of contemporary psychological approaches to understanding self-harm; the examination of forms of self-injurious behavior and their relationship with personality characteristics of young people; and the identification of directions for addressing self-harm based on the research findings. Methods of the research. The study employs theoretical analysis, generalization, and systematization of scientific sources, as well as empirical methods, including the Self-Injurious Behavior Functions Scale by N.A. Polskaya, the Buss– Durkee Aggression Inventory, and the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations by S. Norman, D. Endler, D. James, and M. Parker. The results of the research. The article characterizes the problem of selfharm in psychological science and practice. Self-harm is defined as non-suicidal deliberate self-injury that serves the function of reducing internal tension and coping with stressful situations. The study systematizes major theoretical approaches to self-harm, including emotional, socio-behavioral, clinical-psychological, and existential perspectives. The results of the empirical study indicate a predominance of a relatively safe level of self-harm manifestations alongside the presence of high-risk groups, which highlights the need for psychological support. A relationship was found between the propensity for self-injurious behavior and the internalization of aggression (resentment, guilt, indirect aggression), as well as a reduction in external forms of aggression. The findings also reveal a dominance of maladaptive coping strategies (avoidance, distraction) and insufficient problem-focused coping, indicating impaired emotional regulation. Based on the obtained data, directions for psychological support for individuals prone to self-harm are outlined, taking into account individual characteristics and contextual life factors. Conclusions. Self-harm is a non-suicidal form of deliberate self-injury that does not aim at suicide but may function as a buffer reducing psychological distress. Its mechanism involves the transformation of emotional pain into physical pain. The study confirms an association between self-harm behavior and emotional regulation difficulties, particularly the internalization of aggression and the predominance of maladaptive coping strategies, which determines appropriate directions for psychological intervention.