Supported by respondents’ material this chapter provides significant insight into the role of childhood trauma, negative core beliefs and unhealthy perfectionist traits in self-injury. Further, the acrimonious ‘false memory debate’ is put under the spotlight. We observe first-hand the role of recovered abuse memories in the process of self-injury, and witness the anguish and consequences caused by recovered memories.

Defining Trauma

Traumatic events are usually considered to be deeply distressing or psychologically painful experiences that result in harmful long-term effects. Examples include major disasters which result in loss of life or injury, the sudden death or loss of a loved one, rape, sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, domestic violence, abandonment, and bullying.

People react to traumatic events in different ways, depending on a number of factors, such as their psychological make-up, past experiences and access to support. Any event that leaves an individual feeling powerless, vulnerable, unsafe, and unable to cope may be perceived as traumatic. Children exposed to traumatic events such as child abuse are particularly at risk of developing long-term psychological, physical, behavioural, and social problems, or interpersonal problems such as marital or relationship problems.

Child Abuse And Self-Injury

Numerous studies have found a positive correlation between child abuse and self-injury (see for example: Favazza & Conterio, 1989; van der Kolk, Perry, & Herman, 1991; Arnold, 1995; Hawton, et al; 2002). Eighty-four (84%) percent of the respondents who completed the survey for Healing the Hurt Within, 1st edition (Sutton, 1999) reported childhood trauma/other childhood circumstances as contributory factors to their self-harm. Several reported multiple forms of child abuse (emotional, sexual, physical, neglect and rape).

Defining Rape

Figure 6.1 gives a definition of rape provided by the Crown Prosecution Service. Definitions of abuse are provided later in the chapter.

Fig. 6.1:

Crown Prosecution Service definition of rape.

Defining Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse is subtle – it comes in various guises and because there are no visible wounds or scars it is difficult to detect. Emotional abuse damages children’s self-concept, and leaves them believing that they are unworthy of love and affection. Emotional abuse is invariably present in all types of abuse, and the long-term harm from emotional abuse can be equally, if not more damaging, than other forms of abuse.

Emotional Abuse Goes Beyond The Realms Of The Spoken

Other terms used to describe emotional abuse include verbal abuse, and mental or psychological abuse. Figure 6.2 provides examples of emotional abuse.

Fig. 6.2:

Examples of emotional abuse.

Verbal Abuse

Whoever invented the maxim, ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me’ was mistaken. Constant verbal insults and harsh criticism cut deep, name calling wounds, teasing or spiteful comments hurt. Verbal abuse can stick like glue, leaving deep and long-lasting invisible mental scars that can impact on a child’s emotional or social development. Children that live with criticism internalise those beliefs about themselves and often become self-critical. Valerie Sinason (2002) in her excellent book Attachment, Trauma and Multiplicity succinctly sums up the damaging consequences of verbal abuse:

Clarifying The Difference Between Emotional Abuse And Neglect

Neglect is another insidious form of abuse. In essence, neglect means a child’s basic needs are not met, for example: love, care, nurture, comfort, warmth, a safe environment, food, somebody being there for the child. Figure 6.3 gives a definition of neglect provided by NSPCC.

Fig. 6.3:

NSPCC definition of neglect.

Child Without Adults

Defining Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is characterised by inflicting non-accidental injuries, physical punishment, or violence on a child that results in harm or even death. Figure 6.4 gives examples of physical abuse and the range of severity.

Fig. 6.4:

Examples of physical abuse and the range of severity.

Defining Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse ‘can be defined as the involvement of a young person who has not reached intellectual and emotional maturity, in any kind of sexual activity imposed upon them by any person who is more powerful by reason of their age or their position of authority, that violate the social taboos of family roles, or that break the law.’ (Breaking Free: Source, Sutton 1999:61) Figure 6.5 gives a further definition provided by ChildLine.