What high school counselors should know about self injury among adolescents: a literature review

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the research about self-injury and compile it in a format that illustrates the importance of professional awareness of this problem. School counselors need to be aware of self-injurious behavior because they are in daily contact with children and adolescents The literature indicates that adolescence is the period in which self-injuring is likely to begin. This paper will discuss aspects of self-injury including the historical perspectives on self-injury, causes and treatment of such behavior, the role of the professional in treating people who self-injure, and the importance of professional understanding of self-injurious behavior. Upon conclusion of the literature review, recommendations were made as to how school counselors can be prepared to help students who self-injure.