Exploring the Relationship Between Attachment and Pathological Personality Trait Domains in an Outpatient Psychiatric Sample

ABSTRACT

The current study investigates the relationship between insecure attachment and pathological personality trait domains in a sample of psychiatric outpatients. Participants ( N = 150) completed measures for attachment and personality. Bivariate correlations and multiple regression analyses investigated the extent to which insecure attachment and personality pathology were associated. Insecure attachment positively correlated with overall personality pathology, with attachment anxiety having a stronger correlation than attachment avoidance. Distinct relationships emerged between attachment anxiety and negative affectivity and attachment avoidance and detachment. Insecure attachment and male sex predicted overall personality pathology, but only attachment anxiety predicted all five trait domains. Insecure attachment might be a risk factor for pathological personality traits. Assessing attachment in clinical contexts and offering attachment-based interventions could benefit interpersonal outcomes.

Relationships between patients' attachment characteristics and views and use of psychiatric treatment

This study explored the influence of attachment on psychiatric treatment by considering attitudes towards and the use of psychotropic medication and psychotherapy in patients with depressive and anxiety disorders. Adults referred to a psychiatrist completed self-report measures and participated in a diagnostic interview based on DSM-IV criteria. Those with depressive, anxiety or adjustment disorders were included (n = 124). Patients reported the types and dosage of current psychotropic medication as well as number of different psychiatrists and psychologists/counselors they had seen in the past 10 years. Multiple regression analyses were used to examine relationships between attachment anxiety and avoidance and the variables capturing treatment use and attitudes towards treatments. Attachment anxiety was positively associated with the number of current psychiatric medications and with both the number of psychiatrists and the number of psychologists/counselors seen. Attachment avoidance was negatively associated with the number of current psychotropic medications and beliefs about the efficacy of psychotherapy. The findings suggest that patients' attachment characteristics play a role in their views and choices regarding treatments. Developing treatments sensitive to the needs of insecurely attached individuals may lead to improved treatment outcomes.