The role of attachment styles and interpersonal problems in suicide-related behaviors

Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2008 Oct;38(5):592-607. doi: 10.1521/suli.2008.38.5.592.

Abstract

The relationships among adult attachment styles, interpersonal problems, and categories of suicide-related behaviors (i.e., self-harm, suicide attempts, and their co-occurrence) were examined in a predominantly psychiatric sample (N = 406). Both anxious and avoidant attachment styles were associated with interpersonal problems. In turn, specific interpersonal problems differentially mediated the relations between attachment style and type of suicide-related behaviors. These findings suggest the importance of distinguishing between these groups of behaviors in terms of etiological pathways, maintenance processes, and treatment interventions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Object Attachment*
  • Social Behavior
  • Suicide, Attempted / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires