The relationship between adult attachment and suicidal thoughts and behaviors: a systematic review

Zortea, T. C. , Gray, C. M. and O'Connor, R. C. (2021) The relationship between adult attachment and suicidal thoughts and behaviors: a systematic review. Archives of Suicide Research, 25(1), pp. 38-73. (doi: 10.1080/13811118.2019.1661893) (PMID:31545148)

Abstract

We aimed to (1) determine the extent of the relationship between attachment and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB), (2) investigate whether any gender differences exist, and (3) conduct a theoretical synthesis of the included studies. A systematic search of the databases Web of Science; EBSCO Host Medical and Psychology-related resources, which includes CINAHL, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, and PsycINFO; and EMBASE was conducted, with 52 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. While secure attachment acts as protective factor, insecure attachment orientations appear to be vulnerability factors compromising an individual’s capacity to cope with relationship issues, increasing suicide risk. There is insufficient evidence about gender differences. The theoretical synthesis suggests that attachment, interacting with other psychological traits in response to negative life events, acts as a vulnerability or protective factor for STB. Implications for treatment are also discussed.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This work was supported by a scholarship from the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development to the primary author under Grant 203245/2014-8.
• 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., 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: Archives of Suicide Research
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• ISSN: 1381-1118
• ISSN (Online): 1543-6136
• Published Online: 23 September 2019
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 International Academy for Suicide Research
• First Published: First published in Archives of Suicide Research 25(1): 38-73
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy