Attachment and social support as predictors of posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth.

Abstract

Objective:The objective of this study was to examine how the situational characteristics of different types of social support (emotional and instrumental) and relational characteristics of anxious and avoidant adult attachment styles impacted on the recovery from a traumatic event and could lead to both posttraumatic stress (PTS) and posttraumatic growth (PTG). Method: A community sample of 100 participants (72 women and 28 men, who perceived that they had experienced trauma) completed a questionnaire measuring stressful life events, attachment dimensions, emotional and instrumental perceived social support, PTS, and PTG. Results: Whereas insecure attachment predicted higher levels of distress, the role of social support was more complex. For anxious attachment, both instrumental and emotional support negatively predicted distress, whereas for avoidant attachment, only emotional support negatively predicted distress. Contrary to expectations, although high average levels of PTG were evident in the sample, PTG was not related to attachment or social support. Conclusion: This study provides some groundwork for examining the role of attachment styles and their relationship with different types of perceived social support in regard to both negative and positive adaptations to trauma. In addition, the results suggest that PTG is a complex process and many factors may be involved in its development.

The Differential Effects of Insecure Attachment on Post-Traumatic Stress: A Systematic Review of Extant Findings and Explanatory Mechanisms

“…Similarly, a study by Halpern, Maunder, Schwartz, and Gurevich (2011) found that anxious-avoidant attachment predicted reduced social support and increased social withdrawal among ambulance workers exposed to work-related trauma. While mental health outcomes were not examined in this study, social factors may further affect post-trauma reactions, as seen in the recent study by Volgin and Bates (2016). In a longitudinal study consisting of university and community college students, Shallcross, Frazier, and Anders (2014) corroborated the mediating role of social resources in the association between insecure attachment and PTSS.…”

A meta‐analytic review of the relationship between attachment styles and posttraumatic growth

“…Insecure attachment styles (dismissive, preoccupied, and fearful) have long been associated with outcomes that are more negative after trauma (such as greater emotional difficulties and more PTSD symptoms) compared to those with secure attachment (Halpern et al, 2012). This may be due to a failure to activate internal working models for security and utilize social support effectively to facilitate trauma resolution (Ein-Dor & Hirschberger, 2016;Volgin & Bates, 2016). Individuals with dismissive attachment may selfisolate in response to adversity (Adams et al, 2018); not utilizing the support of others to facilitate trauma resolution (Ein-Dor & Hirschberger, 2016).…”

“…This can be seen in Figure 3. Arikan & Karanci, 2016 Cohen & Katz, 2015Dekel et al, 2011Kim et al, 2008Husbands Kim et al, 2008Wives Levi-Belz & Lev-Ari, 2019Nelson et al, 2018Owens, 2016Romeo et al, 2019Romeo et al, 2017Tanyi et al, 2015Volgin & Bates, 2016Gwynn, 2009 Total (random effects) F I G U R E 3 Forest plot for the relationship between PTG and dismissive attachment by study, with effect sizes (ES) and % weight. PTG, posttraumatic growth the overall effect size was 0.08, with a 95% CI from 0.05 to 0.21 (Z = 1.16, p = 0.248).…”

La importancia de lo relacional para el empoderamiento en justicia y verdad en miembros de una organización de familiares de desaparecidos por la violencia política en el Perú

“…Resaltar que el CPT no es resultado directo del trauma sino la lucha interna frente al evento (Tedeschi y Calhound, 2004;Hall et al 2015). La evidencia revela que el CPT no implica, necesariamente, el fin de la sintomatología clínica (Hall et al 2015;Chan et al 2016;Volgin y Bates, 2016).…”