NCJ Number
209683
Journal
Legal and Criminological Psychology Volume: 10 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2005 Pages: 13-25
Date Published
February 2005
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study explored the role that childhood abuse and aspects of shame and anger play in the self-harming behavior of female inmates.
Abstract
The high rate of self-harming behavior in female prisoners has been linked to, among other variables, childhood sexual and physical abuse. The current study extended this body of research by exploring the influence of shame, anger, and sexual and physical abuse during childhood on the suicidal and self-mutilating behaviors of female prisoners in the United Kingdom. Participants were 89 women prisoners who were recruited via posters, information sheets, and voluntary sign-up sheets; they completed a set of self-report questionnaires measuring anger, shame, and impulsive behaviors. Interviews were conducted to probe for childhood sexual and physical abuse. Results of statistical analyses indicated that shame, anger, and childhood abuse were significantly related to self-harm behavior. However, when all variables were considered together, only bodily shame had an independent relationship with self-harm. The findings have implications for the assessment of bodily shame in psychological intake procedures in female correctional facilities. Future research should seek to assess the nature of the links between shame, childhood abuse, and self-harming behavior. Tables, references