Psychodynamic theory views self-destructive behavior as the result of internal conflicts rooted in early familial relationships and the process of personality formation.

Internal Conflicts: The Roots of Self-Destruction

Psychodynamic theory views self-destructive behavior as the result of internal conflicts rooted in early familial relationships and the process of personality formation. On one hand, childhood experiences and improperly resolved family conflicts create what is known as the “accumulation effect,” which influences the development of character traits. As noted in one source, “Improperly resolved family conflicts... inevitably give the 'accumulation effect.' Under its influence, character traits are formed that later determine the fate of children and parents.” (source: link txt)

On the other hand, the mechanism of self-destructive behavior is linked to inner aggression that transforms into a desire for self-punishment or masochistic tendencies. As emphasized in another quote, “In normal life, the instinct for self-destruction manifests in a diluted degree—as masochism. Regarding the origin of masochism, there are two theories... the instinct for self-destruction, alongside the instinct for self-preservation, resides in the heart of humanity.” (source: link txt) Here, the conflict between aggressive impulses and the drive for self-preservation is reflected in behavior, when a person, unable to adequately process internal contradictions, turns aggression inward.

Thus, self-destructive behavior in the psychodynamic approach is explained as the result of early emotional conflicts: childhood relationships with parents and the associated unresolved conflicts accumulate and influence the formation of vulnerable aspects of personality. These internal contradictions then manifest as inward-directed aggression, transforming into masochistic or self-destructive patterns of behavior.

Supporting citation(s):
“Thus, improperly resolved family conflicts, both large and small, inevitably give the 'accumulation effect.' Under its influence, character traits are formed that later determine the fate of children and parents...” (source: link txt)

“In normal life, the instinct for self-destruction manifests in a diluted degree—as masochism. Regarding the origin of masochism, there are two theories: according to one, masochism is the result of the 'transfer' of sadism onto oneself. According to another theory, as expressed by Freud in his later works, masochism, conversely, is primary...” (source: link txt)