Journal Published Online: 01 January 1977
Volume 22, Issue 1

The Pathology of Self-Mutilation and Destructive Acts: A Forensic Study and Review

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

The forensic practitioner is well aware of the self-destructive behavior of man through his experiences in evaluating cases in which a life has been taken through self-destructive means, but he may never encounter those cases occasionally confronting his clinical colleagues in which this self-destructive behavior is manifested against a part of the body and results in serious injury or mutilation. This abnormal behavior has been referred to by Karl Menninger [1] as “focal suicide” and is a manifestation of primary aggressive tendencies directed against one's self. Focal suicide is part of Menninger's general classification of self-destructive behavior of man (Table 1) and includes self-mutilations, malingering, “polysurgery” (compulsion to submit to surgical operations on many occasions), purposeful accidents, and impotence and frigidity.

Author Information

Eckert, WG
Laboratory, St. Francis Hospital, Wichita, Kans.
Pages: 9
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS10393J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10393J