Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Self-harm behaviors refer to intentional acts of physically harming oneself as a way to cope with emotional pain or distress. Examples include cutting, burning, scratching, or hitting oneself.
Related terms
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI): A specific form of self-harm behavior where individuals engage in deliberate self-inflicted harm but do not have suicidal intentions.
Strategies or behaviors individuals use to manage stress, emotions, and difficult situations. Healthy coping mechanisms involve adaptive strategies that promote well-being and resilience.
The process of effectively managing and responding to one's emotions. It involves recognizing, understanding, and expressing emotions in a healthy manner.