In an article published by the Burlington County (NJ) Times, the columnist stated that psychologists believe “the self-inflicted injuries are an extreme way of coping with stress, and the physical scars left behind are a manifestation of inner turmoil.” 

The study also shows that those who injure themselves are more likely to consider suicide and to develop eating disorders than students who don't dabble in self-abuse. 

University officials note that this study brings out a mental health issue that often remains in the dark.

  Self-abusers are likely to hide scars from friends and family and most people close to them don’t even know that the abusers engage in such behavior.  And because mental health issues are taboo, notes the article, those who know are reluctant to talk about it.

The article also points out that this behavior isn’t limited to Ivy Leaguers or those who attend “high-stress” schools. 

The study, which was published in the June issue of Pediatrics, the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, also found that:

•    Among the survey respondents, about half of those who injure themselves had experienced some type of abuse; either sexual, emotional or physical.
•    Most self-abusers are women
•    Most self-abusers have not been in therapy.
•    Prior abuse may be a trigger for self-inflicted cuts and burns.
•    High-achievers were the most likely candidates for self-abuse.