Data collected from the case records of 67 self-mutilating prisoners and a random sample of 68 prisoners were utilized to compare the two groups on 15 variables. Three-quarters of the incidents took place in isolation cells or prison psychiatric units and were the result of self-inflicted cuts. Discriminant analysis indicated that self-mutilators were more likely to be white, have wrist or forearm scars upon admission, and have attempted suicide while in prison. However, scars were much more predictive among whites than blacks. Mutilators were also convicted of more felonies, had more severe disciplinary actions taken against them in prison, and been charged with more assaults while incarcerated.
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