Adolescent Self-Mutilating Behaviors: Experiential Avoidance Coupled with Imitation? Page: 13
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regarding suicidal deaths (Hawton & Williams, 2002), there is not a similar unspoken policy for
RSM. After Diana, Princess of Wales, reported that she engaged in RSM, there appeared to be an
upsurge in the attention paid to this behavior by the popular media. In addition, several famous
actors and musicians, such as Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie, have reported engaging in this
behavior, therefore providing role models for media consumers. Although a large number of
Websites are dedicated to defining self-mutilation and encouraging individuals to seek
appropriate help, the internet is also a source for personal Websites that provide individuals who
choose to self-mutilate with space to post personal experiences and pictures, learn new self-
mutilating techniques, and tips for how not to get caught (e.g., the now dismantled Website "Pro-
Self-Injury", http://razorblades.tribe.net). Whitlock, Powers, and Eckenrode (2006) recently
published a study on the phenomenon of self-injury discussions on internet message boards.
They concluded with their empirical analyses that message boards provide a "powerful vehicle
for bringing together self-injurious adolescents" (Whitlock, Powers, & Eckenrode, 2006, p. 415).
In addition, these researches found that although message boards could be positive and
supportive in nature, these message boards "may also expose vulnerable adolescents to a
subculture in which self-injury is normalized and encouraged" (p. 415).
Not all media influences are inherently negative, but they have the potential to introduce
the concept to naive young readers. A recent novel by Patricia McCormack, Cut, focused on the
plight of the 13 year-old institutionalized Callie, who gradually comes to understand the reasons
behind her self-mutilating behavior. Other such books are available for young readers as well
(e.g., Thin Skin by Emma Forrest, and Crosses by Shelley Stoehr). The film Thirteen highlights a
young girl's struggle with identity development, drugs, and sex, and exposes her use of sports
wrist bands to cover up an acquired habit of cutting. Although the fashion of wearing wrist bands13
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Howe-Martin, Laura S. Adolescent Self-Mutilating Behaviors: Experiential Avoidance Coupled with Imitation?, dissertation, August 2008; Denton, Texas. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc9087/m1/22/: accessed April 19, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; .