Self-injurious behaviour in people with a mental handicap.

ABSTRACT

The population of a hospital for people with a mental handicap was surveyed and numerous variables analysed with regard to people displaying self-injurious behaviour (SIB). It is suggested that age, level of mental handicap, activities in which the person is engaged, and having no expressive language each has a significant influence on the frequency of self-injurious behaviour. Nearly three-quarters of the survey population were without expressive language and a majority self-injured more than once a day. Treatment methods employed were also included in the survey.