A new study published in Development and Psychopathology explores the relationship between attachment orientation and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in children and adolescents. The study aimed to comprehensively synthesize the existing research on this topic.
The findings indicate that individuals who develop insecure attachment are also more likely to report PTSS. This research may mean that for those experiencing PTSS, support in developing a more secure attachment style may be an essential tool in treating their post-traumatic symptoms.
Years of research have made it clear that a child’s attachment to their caregiver and the caregiver’s ability to respond to distress are crucial factors in developing a secure attachment style.
Secure attachment is characterized by a positive and trusting relationship between a child and their caregiver. Children with secure attachment feel safe and secure in their caregiver’s presence and can confidently explore their environment. They seek comfort and support from their caregiver when they are distressed and can regulate their emotions effectively.
In contrast, insecure attachment is characterized by a lack of trust and insecurity in the child-caregiver relationship. Children with insecure attachments may be clingy or avoidant and struggle to regulate emotions. They may not feel comfortable seeking comfort or support from their caregiver when distressed and may have difficulty confidently exploring their environment. Insecure attachment can be further divided into subtypes, such as avoidant, anxious, and disorganized attachment, each with unique characteristics and implications for socio-emotional development.
Previous research has indicated that insecure attachment and trauma in childhood are related. Toby Cushing and his colleagues hypothesized that disrupted attachment may contribute to post-traumatic psychopathologies.
Common symptoms of PTSS include intrusive thoughts or memories of the traumatic event, nightmares, flashbacks, intense distress or anxiety when exposed to reminders of the event, avoidance of triggers associated with the trauma, negative changes in mood and cognition, hyperarousal (e.g., irritability, difficulty sleeping), and a heightened sense of vigilance or hypervigilance.
Studies have explored the relationship between attachment and PTSS but have focused exclusively on adult populations. One review found associations between secure attachment and lower PTSS and between insecure attachment and higher PTSS; there has been no synthesis of findings specifically regarding children and adolescents.
To gather the necessary studies, Cushing and colleagues used a systematic search and selection process to identify relevant studies for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The research team searched multiple databases and used specific inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify studies that met their research question.
In order to be included in this meta-analysis, the studies had to have explored both attachment and PTSS, and the subjects had to be under 18. Using these criteria, 30 reviewed papers (which included 10,431 participants in total) were included.
The study found a significant relationship between attachment orientation and PTSS in children and adolescents. Specifically, insecure attachment was associated with higher levels of PTSS, while secure attachment was associated with lower levels of PTSS. This relationship was consistent across different types of trauma and different measures of attachment orientation.
These findings provide a better understanding of the impact of trauma on attachment relationships and the prevention and treatment of PTSS in young people. The findings suggest that interventions to improve attachment relationships may reduce PTSS in children and adolescents. The authors also highlight the need for further research on this topic, particularly in diverse populations and with longitudinal designs.
The authors acknowledge several limitations of their study, including the limited number of studies in the analysis and the potential for publication bias. They also note that the studies included in the analysis used a variety of measures of attachment orientation and PTSS, which may have impacted the consistency of their findings. Finally, the authors note that their study focused on the relationship between attachment and PTSS and did not explore other potential factors that may impact this relationship.
The findings suggest that attachment plays a significant role in the development of PTSS, with insecure attachment being associated with higher symptoms. These findings have implications for interventions and highlight the importance of promoting secure attachments to mitigate the impact of trauma. However, further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base and explore the complex interplay between attachment, trauma, and PTSS in young people.
The study, “The relationship between attachment and posttraumatic stress in children and adolescents: A meta-analytic review“, was authored by Toby Cushing, Sarah Robertson, Julia Mannes, Nicole Marshall, Mark James Carey, Robbie Duschinsky, and Richard Meiser-Stedman.