Rewiring the Approach: Rethinking Adolescent Self-Harm Through the Lens of the Brain’s Reward System
Work Type
Poster
Abstract
Self-harm, or self-injuring in any form, is an epidemic that has been increasing in prevalence and concern globally manifesting in many ways, with the most common and most often thought of being cutting.
Studies on the adolescent population, ages 12-18, have shown that approximately 10% have self harmed, which is also correlated with higher recurrence rate and suicide rate. Based off hospital data gathered from self-harm cases, it was found that self-harm occurs most commonly between the ages of 15 and 24, with females presenting more than males.1
The main research question of this capstone is, how does self-harm in adolescence work and what treatments can help efficiently and long term? This is a question that many look to answer and some have even started to investigate, focusing in more on the biopsychological aspect of the behavior. Learning how the brain functions during self-harm and what signals are given off, with some looking into the link to the brain reward pathway.
This view would make self-harm seen as an addictive behavior, which would provide another avenue for management. The target audience for this literary review is providers of any specialty that work with adolescents to provide information on self-harm and hopefully guidance into the best care to provide.
Publication Date
5-17-2026
Citation Information
Huls, Dawson, "Rewiring the Approach: Rethinking Adolescent Self-Harm Through the Lens of the Brain’s Reward System" (2026). Student Works Physician Assistant. 57.
https://digitalcommons.dmu.edu/stu_pa/57
