Adverse childhood experiences in Central American migrant high schoolers: Maternal attachment buffers relation with nonsuicidal self-injury and suicide attempts.

Abstract

In recent years, nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide attempt (SA) prevalence among adolescent and young adult Latinx groups have increased compared to other races and ethnicities, with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) believed to contribute to this disparity. Central American migrant youth and young adults are at high-risk for ACE exposure and are a growing demographic within the United States. However, there is a paucity in the extant research regarding the prevalence of NSSI and SA among this population. Thus, they are deemed a critical demographic of study. Conversely, secure attachment relationships have been associated with reduced NSSI and SA risk among Latinx youth. This aligns with Joiner’s (2005) interpersonal theory of suicide highlighting the absence of caring relationships as a component of thwarted belongingness. The present study sought to investigate the importance of ACEs as a risk factor for NSSI or SA in a sample of Central American migrant high schoolers, with paternal and maternal attachment security serving as moderating factors. Maternal attachment security, but not paternal attachment security, was found to buffer against the relation between ACEs and history of NSSI or SA. This study supports maternal attachment security as a critical protective factor against NSSI or SA risk in Central American migrant high schoolers and provides critical insight into likely underpinnings of NSSI and SA etiology.