The Role of Parental Bonding and Early Maladaptive Schemas in the Risk of Suicidal Behavior Repetition

Abstract

The current study examined the role of perceived parental bonding and early maladaptive schemas in suicidal behavior. Participants completed measures of perceived parental bonding; schemas; risk of repeating suicidal behavior; anxiety; and depression following their presentation at Accident and Emergency with suicidal behavior. A suicidal behavior group (n = 60) differed from a comparison clinical (n = 46) and non-clinical (n = 48) group on measures of early maladaptive schemas, anxiety, and depression. No significant difference was noted between the suicidal behavior group and the comparison clinical group on a measure of parental bonding. Within the suicidal behavior group, significant associations were indicated between perceived parental bonding and risk of repetition of suicidal behavior; and early maladaptive schemas and risk of repetition of suicidal behavior. Early maladaptive schemas were found to mediate the relationship between perceived parental bonding and risk of repetition of suicidal behavior, with schemas of Social Alienation and Defectiveness/Shame offering mediator roles. The findings of the current study emphasize the complexities of suicidal behavior and factors that are associated with suicidal behavior. Although causality cannot be assumed, the findings highlight the importance and inter-relationships of not only perceived early experiences, but of underlying schemas in relation to suicidal behavior.

Early Maladaptive Schemas in Bipolar Disorder Patients With and Without Suicide Attempts

“…To date, there is a dearth of research into the beliefs and assumptions underlying suicidal ideation and behaviors in BD. Studies on other populations such as psychiatric outpatients indicate that suicidal behaviors are associated with early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) (Castille et al, 2007;Dale et al, 2010;Dutra et al, 2008). Early maladaptive schemas are conceptualized as dysfunctional and pervasive schemas about the self and the self in relation to others, which are developed in childhood and adolescence but elaborated throughout life (Young et al, 2003).…”

“…Thus, EMSs may provide insight into the characteristic and illness course of BD. Based on the aforementioned research on psychiatric outpatients (Castille et al, 2007;Dale et al, 2010;Dutra et al, 2008), it was considered relevant to explore the connection between EMSs and suicidality in BD. The present study therefore compared BD patients with and without a history of suicide attempts in terms of EMSs.…”

Trans-generational transfer of early maladaptive schemas – a preliminary study performed on a non-clinical group

“…However, in the literature there are no attempts to evaluate whether there are such connections and, if so, what kind they are. A few studies indicate the role of parental attitudes and the mediation role of schemas in problematic behaviour (Dale, Power, Kane, Stewart, & Murray, 2010;Field, Francis, & Carr, 2015;Hoffart Lunding & Hoffart, 2014;Turner, Rose, & Cooper, 2005). Also connections of an authoritarian style with some dysfunctional schemas have been proven (Esmali Kooraneh & Amirsardari, 2015).…”

Intento e Ideación Suicida en Consultantes a Salud Mental: Estilos Depresivos, Malestar Interpersonal y Satisfacción Familiar

“…Del mismo modo, disponer de habilidades sociales que favorezcan las relaciones interpersonales y de apoyo social protege de la vulnerabilidad suicida (Borowsky et al 1999). Por su parte, ser competente socialmente, tener una adecuada autoestima y sentirse integrado son variables que disminuyen la conducta suicida (Dale, Power, Kane, Stewart & Murray, 2010).…”