Report of a case of male genital self-mutilation and review of the literature, with special emphasis on the effects of the media

Genital self-mutilation is seldom reported; fewer than 100 cases have been reported in the literature to date. Few studies have examined the factors that may lead susceptible individuals to undertake this act. We report here on a case of genital self-mutilation by a 22-year-old man who cut off his p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of sex & marital therapy Vol. 22; no. 1; p. 35
Main Authors Catalano, G, Morejon, M, Alberts, V A, Catalano, M C
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England 01.03.1996
Subjects
Adult
Genitalia, Male - injuries
Humans
Learning Disorders - diagnosis
Male
Mass Media
Psychological Tests
Self Mutilation
Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological - psychology
Transvestism - diagnosis
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Summary:Genital self-mutilation is seldom reported; fewer than 100 cases have been reported in the literature to date. Few studies have examined the factors that may lead susceptible individuals to undertake this act. We report here on a case of genital self-mutilation by a 22-year-old man who cut off his penis with an electric chain saw. This patient, who also demonstrated borderline intellectual functioning as evidenced by psychological testing, was likely influenced by the popular media, which was showcasing the criminal trials of John and Lorena Bobbitt at the time of the patient's act.
ISSN:0092-623X
DOI:10.1080/00926239608405304