Why Do We Hurt Ourselves

1. This book offers an unprecedented perspective on a crucial social and psychological issue in Western countries, where, on average 18% of adolescents and young people say they have self-harmed at least once in their life. 2. While this work is a rigorous academic study, it is written in language comprehensible for any reader. It takes the unique perspective that the issues behind self-harm are more socially driven, aimed at maintaining order within social settings and place. 3. The book keeps readers engaged by making good use of strong personal stories. The text alternates between short and effective analytical sections and long presentation of individual stories and cases, relating excerpts from interviews and observations.