The Psychological Impact of Attachment Anxiety on Childhood Trauma and Schizophrenia-Spectrum Psychosis

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood trauma (CT) covers a broad variety of traumatic events that happen throughout childhood and adolescence, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse as well as neglect. It is well established that people with schizophrenia-spectrum psychosis (SSP) experience more CT than others in a healthy state. The connection between CT and SSP has been linked to a sense of insecurity, which has been suggested as a possible mediator.

Objectives: By examining the roles of 2 relationship characteristics, relationship anxiety, and relationship avoidance, in the CT-SSP correlation, this study aims to improve our knowledge of this link.

Methods: A medical sample of 132 inpatients with SSP and a healthy control group make up the study's participant population. Standardized tests are used to evaluate individuals for CT, and validated tools are used to examine individuals' relationship types. Hallucinations intensity is also assessed. The links among CT, relationship characteristics, and psychopathology are investigated using statistical techniques, such as correlation analysis and mediation evaluation.

Results: The findings suggest that compared to the healthy control group, people with SSP had greater rates of CT and a sense of insecurity. Both relationship anxiety and the intensity of parent antagonism are connected with the degree of illusion. According to a mediating study, the only factor influencing the relationship between CT and SSP is anxiety about the relationship.

Conclusions: This study provides that persons with acute CT in the past, schizophrenia-spectrum psychosis, and elevated anxiety about relationships constitute a vulnerable population needing immediate professional intervention. Ongoing surveillance and specialized therapy therapies targeted at lessening the psychological effects of trauma should be provided to these people.