15 Nov How Attachment Style Relates to Psychopathology
As human beings, we are wired for connection. Attachment theory concludes that the relationships with caregivers in infancy and early childhood will influence how healthy relationships are in adulthood. Not only can attachment impact healthy connections, but it also may influence the risk of developing mental health issues as an adult.
Research has identified that attachment style impacts not only adult relationships but also emotional health, healthy self-image, enhanced optimism in approaching life situations, and more positive interpersonal attitudes. Interactions with supportive caregivers create a healthy sense of attachment security, thus promoting a positive self-image; however, the risk of attachment-related anxiety and avoidance increases when the attachment to caregivers fails to be available and supportive in infancy. Throughout adolescence and young adulthood, choices made about friendships and intimate relationships are significantly influenced by our strengths and vulnerabilities related to our attachment style. Attachment impacts our needs and how we may go about getting them met, influencing the likelihood, we will choose partners that fit into our adaptive or maladaptive patterns. These unhealthy relationship patterns carry substantial risks to our sense of self and exposure to relationship trauma.
Not only does unhealthy attachment impact the risk of choosing relationships with poor dynamics, but there is also a risk of developing serious mental health issues. A study published in 2022 found that adolescents with insecure attachment styles, those characterized by preoccupation, fear, and dismissing, were significantly associated with more avoidant behavior, depression, and suicidal ideation. The researchers found that individuals with a dismissing attachment style, seeking to avoid emotional connection with others, experienced cognitive dysfunctions that led to suicidal ideation. Additionally, individuals with highly avoidant attachments tended to view others negatively, setting high standards to preserve their self-image instead of risking rejection. These behaviors increased the likelihood of increased suicidal ideation.
Those with a fearful attachment style held greater rates of depression, likely due to a negative self-concept, internal criticism, and avoidance of close relationships. Conversely, adolescents with secure attachments were linked to lower levels of anxiety, depression, avoidance, and suicidal ideations. Researchers pointed to evidence that those that did not possess an unhealthy reliance on others for a sense of self and had healthier relationships were strong predictors of secure attachments and better mental health.
Attachment style beyond adolescence into adulthood can also be associated with a higher risk of suicidality. A study conducted in 2017 found that adults with insecure, mostly anxious attachment styles were at greater risk of suicidal behaviors. Based on their findings, the researchers believe that unresolved traumas and increased risk of psychiatric symptoms stemming from long-term patterns of inadequate attachments were strong influences.
A prior study published in the journal of Suicide Life-Threatening Behaviors in 2008 found similar findings related to anxious, insecure, and avoidant attachment styles having greater association with suicidal behaviors. They concluded that greater interpersonal sensitivity and low interpersonal aggression made it difficult for individuals with these attachment styles to assert their needs. Additionally, they were at greater risk of feeling hurt and rejected, increasing the risk for depressive symptoms.
The implications for psychologists and other mental health professionals include the need to develop a solid knowledge base of secure and insecure attachment styles, given the apparent implications of greater risk for depression, anxiety, and suicidality later in life. Robust assessment of attachment style in patients affords professionals direction in treatment approaches to help patients to face the negative factors in their connections in interpersonal relationships. Additionally, providing caregivers with counsel around fostering healthy attachment with their children.