The ontological realism perspective specifies risk as objective and independent of our experiences and perceptions. Risk is inherently uncertain and necessitates a degree of tolerance for adverse outcomes. 


Ontological Realism and Self-Harm

Sociologist argue blame is a product of society and that it prevents the consideration of "positive risk taking", or weighing risks and benefits of a behavior, because it does not allow for the complex realities of those suffering from self-harm urges. Movement towards a culture that  appropriate for risk management involves services which value equality and empathy. 

Blame Culture and Self-Harm

Society considers self-harm a deviant and distressing behavior and those who are suffering are often mischaracterized as violent, unstable, and/or suicidal. Additionally, risk assessments often center around the authority of the practitioner and can further push service users away from seeking help. 

Grand Valley State University

Health psychology research relating to self- harm includes:
- Risk assessment
- Risk management
- Self-harm and causes
- Stigma contributing to risk for self-harm

Health Psychology Research Relating to Self-Harm

Woodley, S., Hodge, S., Jones, K., & Holding, A. (2020). How Individuals Who Self-Harm Manage Their Own Risk—‘I Cope Because I Self-Harm, and I Can Cope with my Self-Harm’. Psychological Reports. https://doi.org/10.1177/0033294120945178

How individuals who self-harm manage their own risk—‘I cope because I self-harm, and I can cope with my self-harm’

The act of purposely inflicting pain and damage to one’s body. Methods include cutting, burning, scratching, and other means of self-injury. Self-harm can also be emotional or internal, which may involve acts like deliberately triggering oneself or consuming toxic substances.

Self-Harm

Risk assessment is a clinical interview administered by a professional to service users in order to inform them of adverse outcomes from their behaviors and to create a safety plan to minimize further risk. Historically, service users have had little decision-making power or voice in the plans made.

Risk Assessment of Self-Harm

Risk management is the process of identifying harmful outcomes and incorporating or reducing certain behavioral patterns to keep at-risk individual safe and mitigate damage. Managing inherently risky behaviors is a long-term process, but the goal is to cease them completely in a way that is achievable for those struggling to stop self-harming.

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