Self-aggression ranges from hunger strikes, self- infliction of injuries, drug abuse, attempted suicide, and completed suicide. Self-mutilation is the most commonly encountered self-aggressive behavior among inmates. The most common form in Russian institutions is caused by insertion or implantation of various alien objects and substances through the urinary or genital tracts, through soft and hard tissues, and through blood vessels. Cases of self-aggression can be a sign of unsatisfactory interpersonal relationships among inmates, a poor organizational structure in the institution, or an inadequate medical service. Prisoners are creative in finding methods for mutilating themselves; while typically denying suicidal intent, they often mislead staff about their motives for self-mutilating. Despite the frequency of this problem behavior, the social, medical, moral, and legal aspects of this problem are not well understood. Case examples, table, footnotes, and 4 references (Author abstract modified)