Self-Harm

Self-harm, also known as self-mutilative behavior (SMB) refers to a spectrum of behaviors most commonly involving burning or cutting oneself. A clinical literature on self-mutilation dates back to at least the 1930s. Much of the research focus in this literature is distinguishing between “parasuicidal” SMB like wrist-cutting, and actual suicidal behaviors. As with other nosologies, the definition and boundaries of SMB are contested. There are rare and extreme incidents associated with psychotic behavior—such as self-blinding, autocannibalism, and self-amputation—as well as habitual self-harm in some autistic people. While these are often conflated with other forms of self-harm, there is an ongoing debate as to whether this is appropriate.

The general consensus is that SMB in young persons who are not also autistic or psychotic is associated with anxiety, trauma, abuse history, and/or depression. It seems to affect anywhere from 7% to 14% of youth, with some studies putting the number closer to 30%. (Hawton and Anthony 2005) While SMB may serve purposes, the major arguments are that is is an outlet for emotional catharsis, or as an overwhelming sensory experience to mitigate feelings of dissociation. Some psychologists and radical feminists (Walsh and Rosen 1988 p. 118, Jeffries 1990 pp. 217-220), also associate SMB with transsexualism, though this theory seems to be losing favor. Finally, visible self-mutilation can serve as means of signaling to others, either as a “cry for help” or to establish in-group bonding. In this latter capacity, self-harm is especially associated with goth, punk, and garage subcultures. (Young et al., 2006)

There is a superficial similarity between SMB and sadomasochistic behavior, inasmuch as both involve intentionally inflicted and received pain. The goth aesthetic is also associated with BDSM through certain cultural channels, such as vampire fiction, though the strength of this association is unknown. In all events, the popular association between SMB and sadomasochism was made ironclad by the 2002 film Secretary, directed by Steve Shainberg. In this movie, the character Lee Holloway is presented as cutting and burning herself, and evolves into being a submissive masochist at the hands of a paternalistic dominant lover, who forbids her from engaging in SMB, essentially appropriating the right to injure her. This movie was the first intentional “crossover” piece between kinky and non-kinky audiences, and had a widespread impact on popular perceptions of kink (Weiss 2006).

However, there is no evidence whatsoever that self-harm and kink are correlated. Walsh and Rosen's monograph makes no such a connection, despite a comprehensive review of studies of sexual identity in relation to SMB. Their sole mention of self-harm in relation to “sexual deviance” is a case of a man hospitalized for schizophrenia and manic depression, who cut his penis in order to entice the nurse into dressing the wound. Clearly this is neither typical of BDSM or self-harm.

Walsh and Rosen do suggest a link between self-harm and self-administered tattoos or piercings.  However, Richters et al (2008) find that kinky people are not significantly more likely than peers to have tattoos or recent piercings.

More generally, the literature on self-harm distinguishes it from kink in almost all aspects. The SMB is never described as having erotic value; it is not accompanied by masturbation; and is almost always a solitary activity, and is frequently intended to signal to outsiders that the self-harmer wants some form of attention. Kink activities, on the other hand, are generally erotic, involve another person, and are usually elaborately kept secret from outsiders. Even the activities appear to be distinct, with SMB typically focusing on small cuts and burns, whereas kink focuses to a large extent on impact devices@.

Because the population of people who self-harm is probably larger than the population of kinky people, it would be helpful for further research to focus on the prevalence of SMB among kinky people, rather than the reverse. At the moment, though, there is no evidence for any connection.

Updated 1/11/2010