Parasuicide: Interaction Between Inadequate Parenting and Recent Interpersonal Stress

This controlled study searched for links between early family adversity & recent interpersonal stress for patients who have attempted suicide. The pattern of early exposure to neglectful & overprotective parenting followed by recent conflict or separation in adulthood was found to discriminate most clearly between the subject & control group. Factors such aslow self-esteem, a sense of helplessness, & insecurity in intimate relationships may variously account for heightened vulnerability.