Citation

Gormley B. Psychotherapy 2004; 41(2): 136-143.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/0033-3204.41.2.136

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Adult attachment conceptualizations are recommended with severely disordered, traumatized women at risk of suicide. Attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance suggest individual differences in behavior, and empirical work relating psychopathological behaviors to each orientation is presented. Attachment theoretical practice helps alter negative expectations of relationships, including psychotherapy relationships. Enhanced expectations of self or others can improve readiness for treatment and reduce suicide risk. Adult attachment theory offers positive conceptualizations of self-destructive behaviors useful with such clients, including those diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Interventions that foster working alliances and improve affect regulation are illustrated with 2 case examples.

Language: en

Keywords

theory; adult; human; female; case report; psychotherapy; affect; anxiety; suicidal behavior; review; expectation; automutilation; human relation; emotional attachment; avoidance behavior; psychotrauma; self concept; doctor patient relation; patient attitude; borderline state; chronicity