Attachment style and risk of suicide attempt among new soldiers in the U.S. Army
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Wang, J., Naifeh, J. A., Herberman Mash, H. B., Morganstein, J. C., Fullerton, C. S., Cozza, S. J., …Ursano, R. J. (2022). Attachment style and risk of suicide attempt among new soldiers in the U.S. Army. Psychiatry, 85(4), 387-398. https://doi.org/10.1080/00332747.2022.2062661
Abstract Created by REACH:
This study examined the link between attachment style and suicide risk among 38,507 Soldiers in Basic Combat Training. Soldiers self-reported on their attachment styles: secure (i.e., enjoying close relationships and trusting others), preoccupied (i.e., being concerned about rejection and trusting others), fearful (i.e., rejecting closeness to avoid vulnerability), and dismissing (i.e., rejecting closeness in favor of independence), as well as their lifetime history of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and mental disorders. Overall, Soldiers with a secure attachment style were at lower risk of suicidal ideation and attempts, whereas Soldiers with either a preoccupied or fearful attachment style were at greater risk.
Focus:
Mental health
Other
Branch of Service:
Army
Military Affiliation:
Active Duty
Guard
Reserve
Subject Affiliation:
Guard/Reserve member
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Cross sectional study
Authors:
Wang, Jing, Naifeh, James A., Herberman Mash, Holly B., Morganstein, Joshua C., Fullerton, Carol S., Cozza, Stephen J., Stein, Murray B., Ursano, Robert J.
Abstract:
Objective Among U.S. Army soldiers suicide attempts (SAs) are a significant public health concern, particularly early in service. We examined the association of attachment style with SA and suicide ideation (SI) among U.S. Army soldiers.Methods We analyzed survey data from new soldiers who participated in the Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience in Servicemembers (Army STARRS). The sample consists of 38,507 soldiers entering Basic Combat Training (BCT) between April 2011 and November 2012. Attachment style (secure, preoccupied, fearful, and dismissing) was assessed using items from the Relationship Questionnaire. Lifetime (pre-enlistment) SA and SI were assessed with a modified Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Logistic regression analyses examined associations of attachment style with lifetime SA, SI, and attempts among ideators, after adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics.Results The secure attachment style was associated with lower odds of SA (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.63–0.92), whereas preoccupied (OR = 4.63, 95% CI = 3.83–5.61), fearful (OR = 4.08, 95% CI = 3.38–4.94), or dismissing (OR = 1.56, 95% CI = 1.24–1.96) attachment styles were associated with higher odds of SA. Similar results were found for SI. Importantly, both preoccupied (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.37–2.04) and fearful (OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.38–2.08) attachment were associated with attempts among ideators.Conclusion These findings highlight the clinical importance of attachment style in predicting suicidal behavior and as possible targets for intervention. A critical next step is for prospective research to examine whether attachment style predicts future suicidal behavior.
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Keywords:
attachment style, risk of suicide, new soldiers
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
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