In:
Psychological Medicine, Cambridge University Press (CUP), Vol. 47, No. 11 ( 2017-08), p. 2028-2035
Abstract:
Prolonged separation from parental support is a risk factor for psychopathology. This study assessed the impact of brief separation from parents during childhood trauma on adult attachment tendencies and post-traumatic stress. Method Children ( n = 806) exposed to a major Australian bushfire disaster in 1983 and matched controls ( n = 725) were assessed in the aftermath of the fires (mean age 7–8 years) via parent reports of trauma exposure and separation from parents during the fires. Participants ( n = 500) were subsequently assessed 28 years after initial assessment on the Experiences in Close Relationships scale to assess attachment security, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was assessed using the PTSD checklist. Results Being separated from parents was significantly related to having an avoidant attachment style as an adult ( B = −3.69, s.e. = 1.48, β = −0.23, p = 0.013). Avoidant attachment was associated with re-experiencing ( B = 0.03, s.e. = 0.01, β = 0.31, p = 0.045), avoidance ( B = 0.03, s.e. = 0.01, β = 0.30, p = 0.001) and numbing ( B = 0.03, s.e. = 0.01, β = 0.30, p 〈 0.001) symptoms. Anxious attachment was associated with re-experiencing ( B = 0.03, s.e. = 0.01, β = 0.18, p = 0.001), numbing ( B = 0.03, β = 0.30, s.e. = 0.01, p 〈 0.001) and arousal ( B = 0.04, s.e. = 0.01, β = 0.43, p 〈 0.001) symptoms. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that brief separation from attachments during childhood trauma can have long-lasting effects on one's attachment security, and that this can be associated with adult post-traumatic psychopathology.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0033-2917
,
1469-8978
DOI:
10.1017/S0033291717000472
Language:
English
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Publication Date:
2017
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1470300-2
SSG:
5,2
