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The relationship between adult attachment style and post-traumatic stress symptoms: a meta-analysis
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 02:21 authored by Sarah Woodhouse, Susan Ayers, Andy FieldAndy FieldThere is increasing evidence that adult attachment plays a role in the development and perseverance ofsymptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This meta-analysis aims to synthesise this evidenceand investigate the relationship between adult attachment styles and PTSD symptoms. A random-effectsmodel was used to analyse 46 studies (N = 9268) across a wide range of traumas. Results revealed amedium association between secure attachment and lower PTSD symptoms (?ˆ = -.27), and a mediumassociation, in the opposite direction, between insecure attachment and higher PTSD symptoms (?ˆ = .26).Attachment categories comprised of high levels of anxiety most strongly related to PTSD symptoms, withfearful attachment displaying the largest association (?ˆ = .44). Dismissing attachment was not signifi-cantly associated with PTSD symptoms. The relationship between insecure attachment and PTSD wasmoderated by type of PTSD measure (interview or questionnaire) and specific attachment category (e.g.secure, fearful). Results have theoretical and clinical significance.
History
Publication status
- Published
Journal
Journal of Anxiety DisordersISSN
0887-6185Publisher
ElsevierExternal DOI
Volume
35Page range
103-117Department affiliated with
- Psychology Publications
Full text available
- No
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2016-08-17Usage metrics
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