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Grundmanis_Dissertation 2022.pdf (514.03 KB)

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Examining the Relationship Between Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Attachment Styles

Grundmanis, Larissa
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9614-3182
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1670944789758929

Abstract Details

2023, Psy. D., Antioch University, Antioch New England: Clinical Psychology.
Non-suicidal self-injury, or NSSI, can be defined as the “intentional, self-inflicted destruction of body tissue performed without suicidal intent using methods that are not socially sanctioned” (Martin et al., 2017, p. 425). Lifetime prevalence has been found to be between 5.9% and 18% (Cassels et al., 2019; Klonsky, 2011), indicating that there is a need to understand NSSI so that individuals can be helped to reduce the frequency of their harming behaviors. There is reason to believe that one’s attachment style is associated with the engagement of NSSI (e.g., Wrath & Adams, 2019). Research shows mixed results regarding the types of adult attachment styles (secure, preoccupied, fearful, dismissive) that are and are not associated with NSSI. The current study sought to clarify discrepancies by examining the association between NSSI and adult attachment styles in a sample of 445 young adults, where 196 (44.0%) individuals stated that they have never engaged in NSSI, and 249 (56.0%) who have engaged in NSSI before. Results suggested there was a significant association between fearful and preoccupied attachment styles and NSSI, and that secure attachment was significantly correlated with not engaging in NSSI. Moreover, the fearful attachment style was correlated with scratching, preoccupied attachment was correlated with biting, and lower dismissive attachment scores were correlated with burning and biting. Significant differences in the reasons why someone engaged in NSSI were found regarding attachment styles and specific NSSI behaviors. This research is important because it helps show justifications for why someone engages in NSSI, that different levels of attachment traits exist, and that even those with secure attachment traits can still engage in NSSI behaviors.
Karen Meteyer, PhD (Committee Chair)
Gina Pasquale, PsyD (Committee Member)
Rosalyn DeVincentis, PsyD (Committee Member)
71 p.
Clinical Psychology
non-suicidal self-injury; NSSI; attachment style; self-harm; preoccupied attachment; secure attachment; insecure attachment; adult attachment

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Grundmanis, L. (2023). Examining the Relationship Between Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Attachment Styles [Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1670944789758929

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Grundmanis, Larissa. Examining the Relationship Between Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Attachment Styles. 2023. Antioch University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1670944789758929.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Grundmanis, Larissa. "Examining the Relationship Between Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Attachment Styles." Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University, 2023. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1670944789758929

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

antioch1670944789758929
170
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This open access ETD is published by Antioch University and OhioLINK.