Attachment representation and suicidal ideation in Vietnam combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.
Attachment representation has been linked to psychopathology and suicidality. Possible links between attachment representations and suicidal ideation in a PTSD sample were examined. Vietnam combat veterans in treatment for PTSD (N = 48) were assessed for PTSD severity, attachment representation and current and lifetime suicidality. Contrary to expectation individuals with secure attachment representations had higher levels of current suicidal ideation than those with insecure attachment representations, and unresolved/disorganized attachment was associated with lower levels of current suicidal ideation. Secure attachment may not provide protection against high levels of distress and suicidal ideation among combat veterans with PTSD.
Behavioral Health Care Line, 116, New Mexico Veteran Affairs Health Care System, Albuquerque, NM 87108 USA. Ella.nye@va.gov
Ella C
EC
Nye
Jeffrey
J
Katzman
Jordan B
JB
Bell
Julie
J
Kilpatrick
Marythelma
M
Brainard
Kathleen Y
KY
Haaland
D006801:Humans; D009769:Object Attachment; D015995:Prevalence; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D047829:Vietnam Conflict