NSSI is defined by Lloyd-Richardson et al. (2020) as self-inflicted damage to the surface of one’s body without suicidal intent. This definition emphasizes the absence of suicidal intent in such behaviors.
Diagnosis of NSSID in DSM-5
The DSM-5 outlines specific criteria (A-F) for diagnosing NSSID. These criteria include aspects like the frequency and severity of self-injury, the emotional states associated with it, and the absence of suicidal intent.
Linkage of NSSI with Family Dynamics
Studies by Nixon & Heath (2009) and Suyemoto (1998) have explored the relationship between NSSI and family dynamics, including the impact of divorce, loss of family members, and breakdown of family relationships.
Causes of NSSI
Research points to emotional dysregulation and environmental conditions as primary causes of NSSI. References include studies by Paivio & McCulloch (2004), Grantz (2006), Arens et al. (2012), Auerbach et al. (2014), and Wan et al. (2015).
Linehan’s Biosocial Theory
Linehan’s Biosocial Theory suggests that NSSI is a result of an invalidating environment interacting with an individual’s emotional vulnerability. Yurkowski et al. (2015) and Bureau JF et al. (2011) have contributed to this theory.
Role of Disorganized Attachment
Gromatsky et al. (2017) and Martin et al. (2016) discuss how disorganized attachment in childhood can be a contributing factor to NSSI behaviors in children and adolescents.
Impact of Negative Life Events
The correlation between negative life events and self-injuring behavior is highlighted in the work of Baetens, I et al. (2011).
Theories Explaining Self-Injuring
The interpersonal/systemic model and emotion regulation model are two theories explaining self-injuring behaviors, as discussed by Yulong et al. (2016), Crouch & Wright (2004), and Messer & Fremouw (2008).
Symptoms of NSSI
Our references detail the symptoms of NSSI, with ‘cutting’ as the most common symptom but also listing other known symptoms.
NSSID in DSM-5 and Beyond Physical Self-Injuring
We highlight the inclusion of NSSID in DSM-5, highlighting the focus on physical self-injury, but also considering indirect acts of self-injuring like substance abuse or rejecting non-abusive parents.
Neural Pathways of Psychological Pain
Explores the research indicating that psychological pain shares neural pathways with physical pain, implying a deeper understanding of the impacts of NSSI.
Rejection of Parents as Self-Injuring Act
Presents the argument that the act of a child rejecting a parent, especially in cases of divorce or separation, can be a form of self-injuring to manage psychological pain.
Methods of Self-Injuring in Children and Adolescents
Discusses the variety of methods used for self-injury and the potential role of dissociative disorders in these behaviors.
Prevalence of Self-Injuring
This section would provide statistics and data on the prevalence of self-injuring behaviors found in various studies.
Goldberg & Associates’ Perspective
Analyzes the perspective of Goldberg & Associates on the intersection of NSSID criteria and parental alienation syndrome, critiquing the lack of integration of self-injuring in diagnostic evaluations.
Wound Interference and Family Relationships
Explores the concept of ‘wound interference’ as a symptom of NSSI, as researched by Swannell et al. (2014), and its relation to the loss of family relationships.
Parental Overprotection and NSSI
Discusses studies by Spitzen et al. (2020) and Liu Y et al. (2020) that link parental overprotection to NSSI.
Conclusion
Summarizes the key findings and suggests implications for future research and clinical practice, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to understanding and treating NSSI and NSSID.
This section of the website will provide a comprehensive understanding of NSSI and NSSID, covering various aspects from definitions and causes to theories and implications.
We further discuss why the research on Non-Suicidal Self-Injuring (NSSI) and Non-Suicidal Self-Injuring Disorder (NSSID), particularly regarding indirect forms of self-injuring, further discredits the theory of parental alienation, especially in the context of a child rejecting a previously bonded, non-abusive, and non-neglectful parent. We now endeavour to explore several key aspects:
Understanding NSSI and NSSID
NSSI and NSSID encompass a broad range of behaviors where individuals harm themselves without suicidal intent. This includes both direct physical harm (like cutting) and indirect forms, such as engaging in risky behaviors or emotionally harmful actions.
Indirect Forms of Self-Injury
Indirect self-injury can manifest in ways that are not immediately recognizable as self-harm. For instance, a child rejecting a once-caring parent can be an expression of self-injurious behavior. This rejection might serve as a coping mechanism to manage unresolved trauma, emotional pain, or psychological stress, rather than a conscious or rational decision against the parent.
Contrast with Parental Alienation Theory
The theory of parental alienation suggests that a child rejects a parent as a result of manipulation or influence by the other parent, painting a picture of deliberate alienation. However, understanding NSSI/NSSID in the context of indirect self-injury provides an alternative explanation. It suggests that the child’s rejection may stem from their internal struggles and coping mechanisms, rather than external influence or manipulation.
Role of Psychological Pain and Trauma
Research indicates that psychological pain, like physical pain, can lead to self-injurious behavior. A child’s rejection of a parent, in some cases, could be a manifestation of this psychological pain, where the child unconsciously seeks to alleviate their inner turmoil. This is crucial because it shifts the focus from external factors (like alleged alienation) to the child’s internal psychological state.
Discrediting Parental Alienation Theory
The integration of NSSI/NSSID research, especially the understanding of indirect self-injurious behaviors, provides a different lens through which to view the child’s rejection of a parent. It suggests that such behaviors might be more complex and rooted in the child’s psychological state rather than being solely influenced by one parent against the other. This perspective can discredit the parental alienation theory by highlighting that not all cases of child rejection are due to alienation tactics but might be deeply entwined with the child’s own mental health challenges and coping strategies.
Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment
Recognizing indirect self-injury in the form of child rejection as a potential symptom of NSSI/NSSID necessitates a shift in how these cases are diagnosed and treated. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive psychological assessments of children who exhibit such behaviors and calls for therapeutic interventions that address underlying emotional and psychological issues, rather than solely focusing on family dynamics and parental relationships. In summary, the expanding research on NSSI and NSSID, particularly regarding indirect forms of self-injury, challenges the parental alienation theory by providing an alternative explanation for behaviors like a child’s rejection of a parent. This perspective emphasizes the importance of understanding the child’s internal psychological state and trauma, potentially transforming approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and family court deliberations in such cases.