Are behaviors that alter the body’s appearance such as tatooing, drug use, body piercing, ritual mutilation, etc. SI?
No, although these behaviors can be harmful to the body they do not have the purpose SI has. Behaviors that alterate the appearance of the body are generally used to make the person look better. While in SI this is rarely, if ever, the case. Also, SI and body alteration are done by different methods. While SI is done by yourself, body alteration is typically done by another- someone usually licensed and/or trained to do so. Another difference is between the initial reasons for SI and body alteration. SI is often done because of feelings of loneliness and alienation, while body alteration is done because of discontentment with your body. Ritual mutilation is the alteration of your body for society, religion, or a peer group. Several examples include genital mutilation, some types of tatooing, scarring of the face and body, and branding. Most people don’t undergo ritual mutilation by choice and they often perform the act in front of other people. Also, the scars, tattoos, brands, etc. th
