Abstract
Suicide risk has been found to be associated with particular attachment styles. The purpose of this paper is to discuss suicide risk in terms of family dynamics, and the development of attachments with others. Theories of suicide and development, including those by Freud, Erikson, Bowlby, Richman, and Kaplan, and their clinical implications, are discussed. Literary works by Kafka and Plath are also discussed in the context of suicide and attachment. It is concluded that families characterized by excessive enmeshment and/or detachment often produce an atmosphere of isolation and intolerance which increases suicide risk.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
REFERENCES
Adam, K. S. (1973). Childhood, parental loss, suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior. In E. J. Anthony & C. Koupernik (Eds.), The child in his family: The impact of disease and death (pp. 267–297). New York: Wiley.
Adler, G., & Buie, D. H. (1996). Aloneness and borderline psychopathology: The possible relevance of childhood developmental issues. In J. T. Maltsberger & M. J. Goldblatt (Eds.), Essential papers on suicide (pp. 356–378). New York: New York University Press. Original work published in 1979.
Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and loss: Vol. 1: Attachment. London: Hogarth.
Bowlby, J. (1973). Attachment and loss: Vol. 2: Separation, anxiety and anger. London: Hogarth.
Bowlby, J. (1980). Attachment and loss: Vol. 3: Loss, sadness and depression. London: Hogarth.
Erikson, E. H. (1950). Childhood and society. New York: Norton.
Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth in crisis. New York: Norton.
Freud, S. (1957). Mourning and melancholia. In J. Strachey (Ed. & Trans.), The standard edition of the complete psychological works of Sigmund Freud, Vol. XIV (pp. 237–260). London: Hogarth. Original work published in 1917.
Freud, S. (1957). The psychogenesis of a case of homosexuality in a woman. In J. Strachey (Ed. & Trans.), The standard edition of the complete psychological works of Sigmund Freud, Vol. XVIII (pp. 145–172). London: Hogarth. Original work published in 1920.
Hendin, H. (1991). Psychodynamics of suicide, with particular reference to the young. American Journal of Psychiatry, 148, 1150–1158.
Kafka, F. (1995). The judgement (S. Appelbaum. Trans.). The metamorphosis and other short stories (pp. 1–10). New York: Dover. Originally published in 1913.
Kaplan, K. J., & Maldaver, M. (1993). Parental marital style and completed adolescent suicide. Omega, 27, 131–154.
Kaplan, K. J., & Schwartz, M. B. (1993). A psychology of hope. London: Praeger.
Kaplan, K. J., & Worth, S. A. (1993). Individuation-attachment and suicide trajectory: A developmental guide for the clinician. Omega, 27, 207–237.
Leenaars, A. A. (1988). Suicide notes: Predictive clues and patterns. New York: Human Sciences Press.
Newson, J., & Newson, E. (1968). Four years old in an urban community. London: Allen & Unwin.
Plath, S. (1971). The bell jar. New York: Bantam.
Richman, J. (1986). Family therapy for suicidal people. New York: Springer.
Sabbath, J. (1969). The suicidal adolescent-the expendable child. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 38, 211–220.
Shneidman, E. S. (1996). The Suicidal Mind. New York: Oxford University Press.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ledgerwood, D.M. Suicide and Attachment: Fear of Abandonment and Isolation from a Developmental Perspective. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy 29, 65–73 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022909326217
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022909326217