ABSTRACT
There have been many attempts to explain self-injurious behavior (Cain, 1961; Dollard et al., 1939; Freud, 1954; Goldfarb, 1945; Greenacre, 1954; Hartmann et al., 1949; Sandler, 1964). It has been labeled masochism, auto-aggression, self-aggression, and self-destructive behavior. The present authors prefer the term self-injurious behavior because it is more descriptive and less interpretive. Self-injurious behavior (sib) does not imply an attempt to destroy, nor does it suggest aggression; it simply means behavior which produces physical injury to the individual’s own body. Typically sib is composed of a series of self-injurious responses (sirs) that are repetitive and sometimes rhythmical, often with no obvious reinforcers, and therefore similar to stereotyped behavior. Common types of sib are forceful head-banging, face slapping, punching the face and head, and scratching and biting one’s body.
