Parental object representations, attachment to God, and recovery among individuals with psychosis

Abstract

This study explored the relationships between object representations of mother and father and recovery among outpatients with psychotic disorders, and examined the role of attachment to God in moderating those relationships. A total of 46 outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder participated. Benevolent representations of mother and father were associated with recovery whereas punitive representations were negatively associated with recovery. Secure attachment to God amplified the association between benevolent representations of father and recovery. Secure attachment to God was found to buffer the relationship between mild-to-moderate punitive parental representations and recovery; however, this relationship was not evident for those with the most punitive parental representations. Directions for future research and clinical implications are discussed.

God Representation Types Are Associated With Levels of Personality Organization and Christian Religious Orthodox Culture

“…Other studies have also shown associations between schizotypal traits and positive religious experience (cf. Bennett et al, 2013; Prout et al, 2012, 2016). From a psychodynamic perspective, patients with severe personality pathology and/or psychotic vulnerability might idealize/depersonalize God into a God representation of a nebulous, schizotypal quality (Goodman and Manierre, 2008) to defend against NAs (Descôteaux et al, 2001; Kernberg, 1976).…”

“…In terms of treatment, the work toward more stability and recovery with patients with psychotic PO could be aided by explicitly tapping into the compensation function of religion (if positive God representations are present) and by helping patients (and their families) mobilize the supportive possibilities of a religious community. Among patients with this severe form of psychopathology, higher levels of faith in God and experiencing a relatively secure attachment relationship with God are associated with more confidence in treatment and higher levels of recovery (Prout et al, 2012, 2016; Rosmarin et al, 2013).…”

“…To date, however, there are only a few empirical studies on associations between God representations and object relations functioning among patient samples. These studies (Prout et al, 2012, 2016; Tisdale et al, 1997) that focused on psychotic and inpatient depressed persons, respectively, suggest that experiencing God as supportive is mediated by higher levels of object relations functioning.…”

Apego a Deus: revisão integrativa de literatura empírica

“…Nove estudos (DUMONT et al, 2012;ELLISON et al, 2014;REINER et al, 2010;WEI et al, 2012;BRADSHAW et al, 2010;ELLISON et al, 2012;PROUT et al, Tanto Bradshaw et al (2010) como Ellison et al (2012) pesquisaram a associação entre apego a Deus e angústia. Ambos os estudos concordam que um apego seguro a Deus está associado com a redução da angústia e que um apego seguro a Deus amortece os efeitos danosos de eventos estressantes da aflição (BRADSHAW et al, 2010, p. 1;ELLISON et al, 2012, p. 493).…”

Happiness and Mental Illness: Virtue ethics in Dialogue with Psychology

“…Christian faith, for example, elevates the paradox of the cross and the resurrection of Jesus, and people facing every type of suffering (including mental illness) have found solace and empowering hope in the gospel narrative. 35 Religion is not the only basis for transcendent meaning. The shared struggle against social exclusion and cultural prejudice has empowered many people to re-author their personal story, as people with disabilities (including mental illness) form communities of power to bring about political and socio-cultural change.…”