Quality of attachment, trauma, psychopathology, and frequency of non-suicidal self-injury in Mexican adolescents suffering from psychosocial vulnerability: Description of a risk profile

Abstract

Introduction. Suffering from psychosocial vulnerability, particularly during adolescence, increases the likelihood of experiencing adverse life circumstances, psychiatric conditions, and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Objective. We studied: 1. record-based demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the frequency of NSSI in adolescents, beneficiaries of services for vulnerable population of one of six Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s), we compared by beneficiary type: internal (IB) versus external (EB); 2. predictive relationship of NSSI with depression, difficulties in emotion regulation (DER) and suicidal ideation (administered measures); 3. Comparison of average scores on measures by: quality of attachment (QOA) and presence/absence of NSSI. Method. A convenience sample of 255 adolescents (45.5% women, ages 11-15) answered instruments in institutional facilities (Mexico City and Puebla), where 181 (71%) resided as IB and 74 (29%) resided in family home (EB). The mental health staff of each NGO specified according to the record: demographics, psychiatric diagnoses, history of trauma, and QOA between the minor and his attachment figure. Results. 42% denied NSSI episodes, 16.9% indicated a non-significant pattern, and 35.6% reported a significant and recent pattern. IB presented higher scores in all measurements, higher report of interpersonal trauma, depressive, anxiety, and behavior disorders. Minors with positive QOA obtained significantly lower scores. Discussion and conclusion. Compared to EB’s, adolescents residing in NGOs have a higher risk profile, particularly those without a positive QOA, a fact that is associated with a greater presence of psychopathology and significant and recent NSSI.

Apego a los padres, a los iguales y adicción a internet en la relación entre depresión y autolesión en adolescentes mexicanos

“…Por otro lado, recientemente se ha probado la relación entre la calidad del apego a padres y ALNS en dos grupos de adolescentes; los que residen en los organismos no gubernamentales y los que reciben apoyo externo, encontrando que este vínculo formado por el apego es una variable importante en la explicación de la ALNS en adolescentes sin hogar (MarínTejeda et al, 2021). La evidencia actual parece apuntar en diferentes estudios y países hacia la calidad de la comunicación y apego a los padres o cuidadores.…”

Relationship between Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Attachment: Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)

“…On the other hand, attachment styles are known to be one of the environmental factors, which play an important role in the onset, formation, and maintenance of NSSI in adolescents [ 21 ]. Based on the research results, insecure attachment plays an important role in the tendency of people to NSSI [ 22 ].…”

“…The caregiver’s response pattern can help regulate the child’s emotional states so that the child can develop a secure attachment style. On the other hand, an inconsistent response pattern or less responsive caregiving can lead to an insecure attachment pattern that causes emotional dysregulation [ 21 ]. Some empirical studies have discussed the relationship between insecure attachment and NSSI.…”

“…All of these results indicate that an insecure attachment pattern increases the likelihood of engaging in NSSI or can maintain it [ 29 ]. Despite the importance of these findings, studies in this field, especially among the adolescent population, are scarce [ 21 ]. Therefore, the authors will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the relationship between NSSI and attachment.…”

“…On the other hand, attachment styles are known to be one of the environmental factors, which play an important role in the onset, formation, and maintenance of NSSI in adolescents [21].…”