The Psychology Behind X (Important Video)

Self-harm is a deeply personal and often misunderstood struggle. But what drives someone to engage in this painful behavior? In this video, we explore the psychology behind self-harm—unpacking the emotional and mental factors that may lead someone to harm themselves as a way of coping. Understanding the root causes is the first step in offering support and compassion for those affected.

💡 Please note, this video is for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional advice.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This video discusses sensitive topics related to self-harm. Please be mindful of your emotional well-being while watching.

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Script Writer/Researcher: Imoleayo Olorunnisola (Lightoflights) IG: lightoflights
Editor: Isadora Ho
Script Manager: Kelly Soong
Voice Over: Amanda Silvera    / amandasillvera  
Animator: ChiquitaFoncy
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong

References
Farkas B.F., Takacs Z.K., Kollárovics N., & Balázs J. 2023. The prevalence of self-injury in adolescence: A systematic review and meta-analysis, European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. doi.org/10.1007/s00787-023-02264-
Furnivall J. (2013) Understanding suicide and self-harm amongst children in care and care leavers. Insight 21. www.iriss.org.uk/resources/insights/understanding-suicide-self-harm-children-care-leavers
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2023) www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/self-harm
Hawton K. et al., 2003. Deliberate self-harm in adolescents (a study of characteristics and trends in Oxford, 1990–2000). J Child Psychol Psychiatry. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4469847/
BBC 2023 How I overcome Self Harm Retrieved from www.bbc.co.uk/ideas/videos/how-i-overcame-self-harm/p0dp35w0
Eisenberger NI. Social pain and the brain: controversies, questions, and where to go from here. Annu Rev Psychol. 2015 Jan 3;66:601-29. doi:10.1146/annurev-psych-010213-115146. Epub 2014 Sep 22. PMID: 25251482
Lewis, S. P., & Hasking, P. A. (2021). Self-injury recovery: A person-centered framework. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 77(4), 884-895. doi.org/10.1002/jclp.23094