Maladaptive schemas mediate poor parental attachment and suicidality in college students

ABSTRACT

In college-aged adults (n = 766), the transition to adulthood may aggravate risk factors for suicidal behavior such as poor parental attachment and maladaptive self-schemas. Because poor parental attachment may facilitate developing maladaptive self-related schemas, this study was designed to determine whether specific maladaptive schemas mediate the relation between poor parental attachment and college students’ suicide proneness and ideation. Findings supported this hypothesis. Defectiveness and emotional deprivation schemas, which are consistent with “perceived burdensomeness” and “thwarted belonging,” may be important intervention targets for suicide prevention programs. The ongoing role of parental attachment during early adult development is highlighted.