Solving the puzzle of deliberate self-harm: the experiential avoidance model.
Behav Res Ther
; 44(3): 371-94, 2006 Mar.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-16446150
ABSTRACT
Despite increasing attention to the phenomenon of deliberate self-harm (DSH), the literature currently lacks a unifying, evidence-based, theoretical framework within which to understand the factors that control this behavior. The purpose of the present paper is to outline such a framework-the Experiential Avoidance Model (EAM) of DSH. The EAM poses that DSH is primarily maintained by negative reinforcement in the form of escape from, or avoidance of, unwanted emotional experiences. Literature on factors that may lead to experiential avoidance is reviewed, along with the mounting empirical evidence that DSH functions to help the individual escape from unwanted emotional experiences. The EAM integrates a variety of research on emotions, experiential avoidance, and DSH within a clinically useful framework that sparks novel research directions.
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Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Reinforcement, Psychology
/
Avoidance Learning
/
Self-Injurious Behavior
/
Emotions
/
Escape Reaction
Type of study:
Prognostic_studies
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Behav Res Ther
Year:
2006
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country: