SY232 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Clinical Psychology, Exhibitionism, Totem
Document Summary
Self-harm quotes are partial excerpts from the pages of the stated article with references in the original. The meaning of self-harm has changed over time. At times it has been viewed favourably as a religious manifestation such as self-flagellation. At times it has been viewed unfavourably as an atavism when the imperial powers explored the world and the world of tribal societies. The point is that meanings change and what was a cultural production has become mental disorder. Psychiatry sees considerable comorbidity where self-harm is linked to other diagnosis but self- harm by itself might not be a mental disorder but an indicator of degraded mental health. Trauma makes a difference, and the psychiatric consequences of trauma make a difference. But many who have been traumatized do not self-harm and do not have a mental disorder. In the absence of causal pathways the language of risk analysis is used. Sled-harm can lower excessive emotionality and can elevate sagging emotions.