Megan Middleton Types of challenging behaviour and its triggers Unit 27. M1
M1- Discuss the characteristics and causes of one type of challenging behaviour.
Self-harming
Self-harm involves an individual intentionally inflicting harm upon themselves, this may be a coping
method when the individual is experiencing stress or anxiety. Self-harm may only happen as a ‘cry
for help’, but over half of the people who die from suicide have a history of self-harm. However,
people often carry out self-harm as a way of punishing themselves, or to relieve themselves of
stress, it could also be a cry for help.
Symptoms of self-harm
Individuals can self-harm in many ways, this includes;
Cutting the skin
Burning the skin
Punching or hitting themselves
Abusing alcohol or drugs
Deliberately starving themselves
Over exercising
Poisoning themselves with tablets or toxic chemicals
The most common way of self-harm for younger individuals is cutting the skin, this may be done on
parts of the body that cannot be noticed, this may include;
Legs
Stomach
Thighs
If the self-harming is done in a place that is not visible then this may be the individual punishing
themselves. In addition to punishing themselves, the individual may abuse alcohol or drugs, as well
as deliberately starving themselves etc. Injuries on the arms/wrists may be the individual ‘crying for
help’ as well as burning the skin or causing other physical injury. In addition to physical injuries, an
individual who is self-harming may also display low moods or a lack of motivation regarding activities
or social interaction.
Causes of self-harming
Self-harming is a way for the individual to relieve stress or express how they feel. The individual may
have a number of reasons to self-harm, these may be;
Bullying
Money worries
Sexual, physical or emotional abuse
Bereavement
Breakdown of a relationship
Loss of a job
Low self-esteem
An increase in stress
Depression, anxiety, anger or numbness
M1- Discuss the characteristics and causes of one type of challenging behaviour.
Self-harming
Self-harm involves an individual intentionally inflicting harm upon themselves, this may be a coping
method when the individual is experiencing stress or anxiety. Self-harm may only happen as a ‘cry
for help’, but over half of the people who die from suicide have a history of self-harm. However,
people often carry out self-harm as a way of punishing themselves, or to relieve themselves of
stress, it could also be a cry for help.
Symptoms of self-harm
Individuals can self-harm in many ways, this includes;
Cutting the skin
Burning the skin
Punching or hitting themselves
Abusing alcohol or drugs
Deliberately starving themselves
Over exercising
Poisoning themselves with tablets or toxic chemicals
The most common way of self-harm for younger individuals is cutting the skin, this may be done on
parts of the body that cannot be noticed, this may include;
Legs
Stomach
Thighs
If the self-harming is done in a place that is not visible then this may be the individual punishing
themselves. In addition to punishing themselves, the individual may abuse alcohol or drugs, as well
as deliberately starving themselves etc. Injuries on the arms/wrists may be the individual ‘crying for
help’ as well as burning the skin or causing other physical injury. In addition to physical injuries, an
individual who is self-harming may also display low moods or a lack of motivation regarding activities
or social interaction.
Causes of self-harming
Self-harming is a way for the individual to relieve stress or express how they feel. The individual may
have a number of reasons to self-harm, these may be;
Bullying
Money worries
Sexual, physical or emotional abuse
Bereavement
Breakdown of a relationship
Loss of a job
Low self-esteem
An increase in stress
Depression, anxiety, anger or numbness
