The Analysis of Self-Mutilation in Adolescence Based on the Theory of Mentalization: From Sukhvinder in the Novel ‘Casual Vacancy’

Abstract

Objectives: Adolescence involves a number of developmental processes, as well as unique psychological characteristics and behaviors. An increased rate of internet and game addictions, school violence, and suicide may either represent aspects of adolescence or a psychopathological phenomenon. There is an urgent need to develop software programs that can prevent and resolve adolescent behavioral problems. We applied the mentalization theory to interpret and find solutions for problems faced by adolescent characters in literature. Methods: In Joan Rowling's novel "Casual Vacancy, " Sukhvinder is a girl with problems representative of those encountered by modern adolescents; she is a victim of bullying and engages in self-mutilation. We targeted her problematic behaviors as representative of a prementalized state. Results: Born into an upper-class English family with Pakistani origins, Sukhvinder, unlike her siblings, fails her parents' expectations. Whenever she faces a psychological crisis, she regresses into the teleological mode (the most primitive pre-mentalization stage) and regains her sense of self by cutting herself. After her friend's suicide, however, she begins to communicate with her parents and moves toward mentalization. Conclusion: By analyzing Sukhvinder's behavior, we assessed patterns of attachment, empathy, and mentalization, and identified corrective approaches for problematic behaviors. We believe that the presented interpretation may serve as a foundation for the development of models for understanding adolescent deviant behaviors.

A Multifactorial Interpretation of a Teenager’s Suicide: Based on Krystal’s Death in Casual Vacancy

“…For Krystal, more mature ego development could progress as she received genuine support from Mr Fairbrother and experienced empathy and affection through group activities. Krystal used to tease Sukhvinder, but as Mr Fairbrother appropriately pointed out the problems of such behaviour, she could finally see the consequences of her actions for others and experience the painful but precious emotions to help her reflect on herself [ 8 ]. However, the gradual development of Krystal’s identity was disturbed abruptly by the sudden death of Mr Fairbrother.…”

“…To overcome such limitations in practice, the authors of this study had previously conducted an investigation on a literary work to analyse the characters and form hypotheses to excavate the necessary data [ 8 ]. In the present study, the case of the suicide of the character Krystal in the novel The Casual Vacancy by Joanne Rowling [ 9 ] was analysed in lieu of an actual adolescent suicide case, so as to determine the factors associated with increased risk and protective effect for adolescent suicide.…”

Clinical and psychosocial characteristics related to self-harm in adolescent admitted to psychiatric wards in Korea: a retrospective chart review

“…and unstable attachment, were associated with selfharm in later life [1,2]. Community-based study also reported that poor family function mediates the association between childhood adversity and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescence [3].…”