Attachment and posttraumatic symptomatology following physical injury accidents

Abstract

This study investigates the association between attachment and posttraumatic symptoms in adults immediately after a physical injury accident (assessed after 1 week and 3 months). We expect to find higher percentage of attachment dysregulation and higher symptomatic response (BSI and PDS) of disorganized individuals. We introduce Personal Experience as a representational marker for high attachment anxiety and preoccupation with one’s own distress that blurs and potentially dissolves the capacity to maintain selfother boundaries under stress. 65 patients were administered the Adult attachment Projective Picture System. Results show that attachment disorganization appears more frequent than in healthy individuals and is related to stronger symptomatology. Personal Experience showed good prediction for symptoms after 3 months. This could be important to identify individuals in need for crisis intervention support.

Keywords

• attachment
• trauma
• inner working model