Fifty-nine physically abused children demonstrated a significantly
higher incidence of self-destructive behavior than two control groups of
nonabused children, one neglected and one normal. The self- destructive
behavior, including suicide attempts and self-mutilation, was potentiated
by interrelated variables operating in the abused child and his
environment. Often enhanced by the ego deficits and impaired impulse
control of the abused children, this behavior seemed to represent a learned
pattern originating in early traumatic experiences with hostile primary
objects.Abstract Teaser