Changes in attachment representations during psychological therapy

Abstract

Overall, research supports the suggestion that attachment styles may alter during the course of psychotherapy, but further controlled trials are required to confirm this conclusion.

Associations between attachment and psychopathology dimensions in a large sample of patients with psychosis

“…For example, individuals with dismissing attachment may benefit from interventions which encourage them to focus on their emotional reactions, whereas those with preoccupied attachment would benefit from approaches which minimise the focus on emotional distress. There is also evidence to suggest that attachment working models can change as a result of significant interpersonal experiences and psychological therapy is hypothesised to provide a means of revising maladaptive beliefs and strategies of affect regulation (Taylor et al, 2015). Another possible way to enhance attachment security in insecurely attached individuals is the use of neuropeptide oxytocin as demonstrated by a study in non-clinical sample (Buchheim et al, 2009).…”

Mentalization as Mediator between Adult Attachment and Interpersonal Distress

“…Furthermore, the results contribute to the explanation why mentalization-based treatment [54] has proven to be an effective strategy in psychotherapy [e.g., 55,56]: If mentalization has the ability to mediate intrapsychic processes and is associated with mental health, strategies to foster reflective functioning should be capable of enhancing the effects of psychotherapy. Since the direct link between adult attachment and distress in interpersonal contact does not seem to be significant when mentalization is controlled and attachment may be a difficult variable to change in psychotherapy [57], it appears advisable to include such strategies in other therapy approaches as well. Regarding the development and advancement of specific treatment strategies, we, therefore, propose research on integrative approaches that do not favor one aspect of the human mind, but consider the complex interaction of different spheres.…”

Pseudosecure vs. individuated-secure client attachment to therapist: Implications for therapy process and outcome

“…Clients who can overcome tendencies to recreate maladaptive relationships with their therapist, and instead forge an individuated-secure attachment have a greater likelihood of making therapeutic progress. A growing number of empirical studies suggest that increased client capacity for secure attachment (to others and to their therapist) parallels symptom improvement in psychotherapy (for a review, see Taylor, Rietzschel, Danquah, & Berry, 2015). Following from these perspectives, an additional goal of this study was to explore the concept of earned secure attachment to therapist (ESAT).…”