Associations between experiences of disrupted attachments and suicidal thoughts and behaviours: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Zortea, T. C. , Dickson, A., Gray, C. M. and O'Connor, R. C. (2019) Associations between experiences of disrupted attachments and suicidal thoughts and behaviours: an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Social Science and Medicine, 235, 112408. (doi: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.112408) (PMID:31323541)

Abstract

Suicide is a major public health concern and itsaetiology is complex. Evidence suggests that experiences of early disrupted attachment relationships with parents and family members are associated with later experiences of suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STB). However, no study has investigated this relationship from an inductive, interpretative and idiographic perspective. Objective: This paper explores the role of interpersonal relationships in STB among nine individuals who have attempted suicide. Method: Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were analysed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis approach. Results and conclusion: Two inter-related master themes were identified: 1) ‘challenging relationships as catalysts for STB’; and 2) ‘positive relationships as buffers against STB’. Findings indicate that experiences of early disrupted parent-child attachments may contribute to vulnerability for STB by shaping participants' perceptions of intimate others and themselves (internal working models). These working models, along with other environmental factors and life events, may increase the risk of STB through perceptions of defeat, entrapment, perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. Results also suggest that being exposed to respectful, caring, unconditionally accepting, reciprocal, trusting, and non-judgemental intimate adult relationships increase resilience and is associated with recovery from past STB and a reduction of current suicide risk. The theoretical and clinical implications are discussed.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This study is funded by a scholarship from the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development to the primary author (Process Number 203245/2014-8). This study was supported, in part, by ROC's research funding provided by University of Glasgow.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Gray, Professor Cindy and Zortea, Dr Tiago and O'Connor, Professor Rory
• Authors: Zortea, T. C., Dickson, A., Gray, C. M., and O'Connor, R. C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Social Scientists working in Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: Social Science and Medicine
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0277-9536
• ISSN (Online): 0277-9536
• Published Online: 10 July 2019
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd.
• First Published: First published in Social Science and Medicine 235:112408
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy