Scientific production about associated factors, methods and locations of self-mutilation in adolescents

Introduction: Self-injurious behavior is characterized as a global public health problem due to its severity and risk of death. Objective: To review factors related to self-mutilation in young people and report the main methods and locations mutilated. Method: This is an integrative literature review conducted in five databases with the descriptors: "Self Mutilation AND Adolescent AND Self-Injurious Behavior." Four articles published between 2018 and 2022 were selected. Results: Factors associated with self-mutilation include emotional dysregulation, self-punishment, distress for communication, low self-esteem, depression, impulsivity, loneliness, impulsive and perfectionist personality, and the need to feel something. The main self-injured locations are hair, arms, nails, wrists, skin, and legs. Discussion: Methods of self-mutilation include hitting oneself, pulling hair, biting oneself, burning, cutting, scratching, pinching, poking body areas, inserting objects under nails or skin, self-flagellation, and scratching. Conclusion: Self-mutilation is a complex behavior that affects people of all ages, with a prevalence among adolescents. It is considered a dangerous behavior that can lead to severe injuries or death.