Fenomenologia da autolesão não suicida: uma análise da expressão do sofrimento na corporeidade

Abstract

Non-suicidal self-injury consists of self-destruction of one's own body as a way of relieving psychological suffering. It is increasingly present, especially among teenagers. There is no consensus on the motivations for its practice, which shows worrying rates in Brazil and around the world. The objective of this theoretical study was to promote, based on Merleau-Ponty's Phenomenology about the body, an understanding of self-injury through the analysis of some studies and some reports from people, available on a social network, who express their suffering due to self-inflicted injuries. It was possible to understand the various bodily dimensions of human existence that influence practice and consist of the objectification of one's own body, the tactile experience provided by pain, negative feelings directed at oneself and a form of non-verbal communication, both inter and intrapersonal. Thus, self-injury is a phenomenon that explains internal and/or external conflicts faced by the individual in their body, their being in the world, and can even be understood in a therapeutic way – albeit harmful – to deal with their suffering. And the motivations for self-harm are more complex than the act itself. As a way to prevent it, it is necessary to pay attention to mental health care for the population, especially adolescents. The provision of listening and psychological assistance to face adversities and establish healthy resources is what will mean that it is not necessary to reach the point of self-destruction