Coping and problem solving of self‐mutilators

People who self‐mutilate have been hypothesized to have deficient skills in coping and problem‐solving that leave them vulnerable to the adoption of self‐mutilation as a coping strategy. This hypothesis was tested using male incarcerated self‐mutilators with comparisons being made with non‐mutilating, prisoner, and non‐prisoner control groups. Examination of the inherent resources which enable an individual to effectively cope with stress demonstrated a depressed score for self‐mutilators on the scale measuring self‐worth and optimism about life. Assessment of the strategies used to cope with real problems demonstrated that self‐mutilators engage in more problem avoidance behaviors. Self‐mutilators also recorded less perceived control over problem‐solving options. The results are discussed in terms of the effectiveness of self‐mutilation as a coping strategy and the need to adopt a multidimensional approach to the investigation of coping. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.