This article explores childhood trauma, disrupted attachment, & self-destruction using historical & prospective data. 74 subjects (39 females & 35 males) with personality disorders or bipolar II disorder were monitored for 4 years. Results: histories of childhood abuse were highly significant predictors of self-cutting & suicide attempts. Conclusions: childhood trauma contributes to the initiation of self-destructive behavior but lack of secure attachments helps maintain it. (45 refs.)