A Strengths Perspective in Working with an Adolescent with Self-cutting Behaviors

Abstract

This paper describes the use of a strengths perspective in working with an adolescent with self-cutting behavior. While a disease model stresses diagnosis, labeling, medication, control, and manipulation; a strengths perspective advocates understanding of feelings and meaningfulness behind symptoms, identifying needs, and developing abilities, facilitating interpersonal communication, and building a better social environment for the adolescent client with self-cutting behaviors. A case example demonstrates this approach.Prof. Kam-shing Yip is a Professor,

The Strengths Model: Birth to Toddlerhood

“…Several books have documented the wide range of applications to different populations struggling with different challenges in a variety of countries on five continents (Francis et al, in press;Pulla et al, 2012;Saleebey, 2013). Journal articles describe additional applications (Arnold, Walsh, Oldham, & Rapp, 2007;Cox, 2006;Yip, 2005Yip, , 2006. There are pilot projects for strengths case management being implemented in New Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Australia, and Canada.…”

Concept analysis of self‐mutilation

“…The self-mutilation is a visual plea for help, but it is also a source of shame that the person is compelled to repeat in secret (Strong 1998, Derouin & Bravender 2004, Starr 2004). Many self-mutilators have been taught that the thoughts, emotions and feelings others take for granted, such as feelings of anger or sexual desire, are bad and they need to be punished for having these feelings (Allen 1995, Yip 2006. Self-mutilators experience these emotions as self-hate, and they have to pay for them with this show of blood (Allen 1995, Favazza 1996, Yip 2006.…”

“…The antecedents to self-mutilation are situational circumstances that cause unbearable emotional distress and impaired coping skills with which to alter the situation or perceptions of the stressors. Self-mutilators mutilate for various reasons: to run away from feelings, to feel pain outside rather than on the inside, to cope with feelings, to express anger towards the self, to feel alive, to turn off emotions, to gain control, to express to others that they need help and to manipulate situations and people (Strong 1998, Crowe & Bunclark 2000, Derouin & Bravender 2004, Starr 2004, Yip 2006). The self-injury is a dysfunctional act that expresses emotional pain.…”

Convergence of a strengths perspective and youth development: Toward youth promotion practice

“…This understanding is supported with the recent growing interest in the development and application of the strengths perspective and youth development to social work practice with adolescents (Barton, 2006;Bender, Thompson, McManus, Lantry, & Flynn, 2007;Yip, 2006). Needless to say, the strengths perspective is implemented throughout social work practice with youth.…”