Non-suicidal Self-Injury as Self-Directed Aggression in Community, Clinical and Forensic Populations

Although violence and aggression are typically thought of as being directed towards others, behaviors such as cutting or hitting oneself can be considered examples of self-directed aggression. Referred to as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), these aggressive behaviors occur without suicidal intent, but rather serve the function of relieving distressing thoughts or feelings. In this chapter, we discuss NSSI as self-directed aggression (i.e., functionality, etiology, gender differences) in community samples and in two specifically relevant populations (i.e., clinical patients with borderline personality disorder, and forensic patients in closed correctional settings).