Do Coping Strategies Mediate the Relationship Between Parental Attachment and Self-Harm in Young People?

Abstract

Insecure attachment is associated with self-harm in young people, but little research has explored the pathways through which this relationship develops. We investigated whether attachment impacts on self-harm via its effect on coping strategies and appraisal of problem-solving abilities. A total of 314 students aged 18-20 years completed an online survey with measures of parental attachment, emotion-focused and problem-focused coping strategies, and psychological distress and self-harm. A mediational model was not supported as there were no direct effects between parental attachment and self-harm. However, analysis of specific indirect pathways revealed that perceived parental attachment impacts on self-harm through problem-focused coping. Higher quality of attachment was associated with greater reliance on problem-focused (adaptive) coping, which in turn was associated with a decreased risk of having self-harmed. Furthermore, poorer paternal attachment was associated with lower appraisal of problem-solving skills, which in turn was associated with an increased risk of having self-harmed. Individuals with insecure attachment may be more vulnerable to self-harm because they lack other more constructive coping strategies for relieving stress.

The role of psychological and social factors in the relationship between attachment and suicide: A systematic review

“…Whereas some researchers maintain that suicidal behaviour and NSSI differ in important ways (e.g., Muehlenkamp & Gutierrez, 2004), others argue that suicidal intent is a dimensional phenomenon and the motivations that underlie SH are often multiple, changing, and unclear (Andover, Morris, Wren, & Bruzzese, 2012; Hawton, Saunders, & O'Connor, 2012; Kapur et al, 2013). By excluding studies that explicitly focused on NSSI, the current review could be criticized for potentially overlooking relevant studies where intent to end life was not explicitly assessed or could not be inferred from the study report (e.g., Glazebrook, Townsend, & Sayal, 2016). As such, the conclusions drawn cannot be generalized to self‐injurious thoughts or behaviour where the motive to take one's own life may be unknown or unclear.…”

Secondary attachment and mental health in Pakistani and Scottish adolescents: A moderated mediation model

“…Finally, coping is also relevant to adolescent secondary attachment. Herein, coping refers to cognitive and behavioural responses that aim to minimize, control, or encounter demands or challenges from internal or/and external environments that exceed individuals' resources (Folkman & Lazarus, 1980), which themselves may mediate between attachment and distress (Glazebrook, Townsend, & Sayal, 2016). In particular, caregiver's responsiveness and sensitivity at times of distress help children to develop a sense of self-capacity in their own attempts to satisfy safety and comfort needs.…”

A Qualitative Exploration of Parental Separation and Coping: Attachment Disruptions Among Newcomer Immigrant Adolescents

“…A developmental perspective on attachment and coping suggests that attachment relationships influence cognitive and affective skills used to understand the world and cope with stressors throughout life (Glazebrook, Townsend, & Saval, 2016). While the harmful effects of separation have been well documented, how separation relates to the use of coping strategies in an adolescent immigrant population remains unknown.…”

“…Individuals with more secure parental attachments might feel more confident in their ability to manage and regulate their affectual responses, and therefore may be increasingly able to engage with stressors from a problem-focused perspective (Alexander, Feeney, Hohaus, & Noller, 2001). In contrast, less securely attached individuals may have a lower appraisal of their problem-focused coping abilities related to increased difficulties managing distressing affect (Glazebrook et al, 2016). Due to these differences, problem-focused strategies have been conceptualized as being more effective or adaptive than emotion-focused strategies, as they aim to somehow resolve the issue one faces (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984).…”