The Question of the Origin of Overrepresentation of Violence in the French West Indies: A Psychosocial Approach to Attachment Issues

Cult Med Psychiatry. 2026 Apr 29;50(2):31. doi: 10.1007/s11013-026-09991-2.

ABSTRACT

The French West Indies, particularly Martinique and Guadeloupe, are grappling with high rates of violence, particularly among youth, which might be deeply rooted in historical trauma from slavery. A significant portion of the population has experienced abuse and violence in early life, prompting researchers to explore the connection with attachment theory. The transatlantic slave trade tore families apart and disrupted the secure attachments that are essential for healthy emotional development. Children raised without stable caregivers often develop insecure attachment styles, which may have been passed down through generations. These unresolved attachment wounds often manifest as violence or self-destructive behavior. Without nurturing figures, both parental and societal, individuals may feel unworthy and angry. France, seen as the “abusive stepmother,” failed to provide meaningful support after emancipation to replace lost parental figures. Consequently, the population oscillates between a desire for recognition and a fear of further rejection. This emotional paradox mirrors the turbulence of adolescence, where independence is both craved and feared.

PMID:42050301 | DOI:10.1007/s11013-026-09991-2