Humans seem to have an appetite for self-destruction. Whether it’s maxing out our credit cards, binge drinking and smoking or knowingly entering toxic relationships, our inherent need for chaos is seemingly never-ending. Self-destructive behaviors are characterized as activities that put us in harm's way, either physically or mentally. It’s important to note that these behaviors aren’t always intentional or planned and can be impulsive, or the result of factors beyond our control.
So what causes us to place ourselves at risk like this? There are many scientific explanations as to why humans have a knack for self-destructive behaviors. One possible answer may date back to childhood: researchers have found that early trauma and inadequate parental care can cause individuals to engage in self-destruction as a coping mechanism. Mental health challenges, life-changing events or uncontrollable stress can also lead to reckless behavior.
Even Sigmund Freud believed that all humans have a death wish. His death drive theory posits that humans have an unconscious desire to die that can manifest outwardly in the form of aggression, violence or even self-harm. Like many of Frued's ideas, the controversial theory has been criticized by scientists today, but the father of psychology may have been onto something about an inherent human craving for destruction.
Here are 10 self-destructive behaviors that most of us have flirted with at least once (if not a few times) in our lives:
