Attachment Style, Traumatic Bonding, and Developing Relational Capacities in a Long-Term Trauma Group for Women

Abstract

Adults with histories of severe childhood abuse often experience considerable difficulties with interpersonal trust. At the same time, they may strongly desire to be less alone with the painful aftereffects of their traumatic pasts. Psychotherapy groups have often been recommended as important components of treatment for reducing survivors' feelings of isolation and shame. We propose that an understanding of attachment styles and of traumatic bonding helps to clarify the specific manifestations of interpersonal distrust as they may emerge in a survivors' group. In addition, we suggest guidelines for determining what kind of group may be appropriate for a given individual at a particular point in treatment.

Influence of childhood sexual abuse on pregnancy, delivery, and the early postpartum period in adult women

“…So far, individual therapy and group therapy seem to lead to fewer symptoms and better psychosocial functioning [93]. Psychotherapy groups have often been recommended to reduce the victim's feelings of isolation and shame [94]. Sometimes the relationship towards the abusing father was better than that towards a neglecting mother, so that patients should always be allowed to choose, whether they prefer a woman or a man as a therapist [84].…”

Psychodynamic mechanism and weight reduction in obesity group therapy – first observations with different attachment styles

“…In contrast to other long-term group therapy interventions, which also focused on the change from an insecure to a secure attachment style [18], [26], a change of a patient’s attachment style is unlikely, as we considered only twelve sessions. Thus the patients will have considered the therapist only in part as a secure basis [15].…”

“…Research on the way in which different attachment styles can affect various psychotherapeutic interventions is increasing steadily [17], [24], [25], [26], [27], [28]. Strauss [29] suggests a sensibility in relating the findings of attachment theory to the observations made in a psychotherapeutic interaction, particularly the therapeutic relationship as it can resemble the relationship to an attachment figure.…”

Battered Women: Stages of Change and Other Treatment Models That Instigate and Sustain Leaving

“…Dutton (1992b) reported that this emotional connection is rooted during the early phase of the relationship, often before the abuse begins. Intermittent expressions of concern/reinforcement and violence intensify the attachment/traumatic bonding (Barnett, 2001;Saunders & Edelson, 1999). With increasing forced isolation, a dependency on the batterer grows, reducing the potential for constructive change and leaving the relationship.…”