Attachment and its Role in Resilience from Psychological Trauma
Date of Award
2007
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Ryan, Kimberly
Keywords
Attachment, Resilience, Trauma
Area of Concentration
Psychology
Abstract
This paper presents an empirical study investigating the relations between attachment styles in relationships and overall resilience in response to a general psychologically traumatic event. Past research has examined the associations between attachment and specific coping methods, and attachment and general resilience from extreme trauma, so this study seeks to expand these results in order to apply the findings to the general population. A short survey was distributed in an online format and 215 participants that represented four attachment categories were chosen and analyzed based on the four categories as well as the two collapsed categories of secure and insecure attachment. Results showed that securely attached individuals had the highest level of resilience in response to psychological trauma, with insecure, dismissive participants in a close second. Insecure, preoccupied individuals and insecure, fearful individuals had significantly lower scores of resilience, F(3, 215) = 8.883, p < 0.0001. Examination of attachment based on a secure/insecure dichotomy again showed significantly higher resilience scores for the securely attached individuals, t(213) = 4.231, p < 0.0001. The current findings suggest that attachment style in relationships functions as a risk and protective factor for individuals facing minor to severe trauma, and thus, may play a role in the development of psychological disorders.
Recommended Citation
Schmieg, Anna C., "Attachment and its Role in Resilience from Psychological Trauma" (2007). Theses & ETDs. 3852.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3852
Rights
This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.