Attachment organization and adaptation in sexually-abused women

Abstract

Objective: To explore the possible associations among attachment organization, current functioning and Axis II personality disorder.

Method: Attachment organization was assessed using the Adult Attachment Interview in a clinical sample of 40 women with a history of childhood sexual abuse. The Global Assessment Scale yielded measures of current psychosocial functioning and the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnosis on DSM-III-R was used to assess presence of personality disorder.

Results: Preoccupation with attachment issues was evident in 68% of the subjects; 60% of the subjects were unresolved in respect to loss and/or trauma; and 88% of the subjects met criteria for one or more Axis II disorders. A relationship between Borderline Personality Disorder and the Unresolved attachment classification is suggested.

Conclusions: Women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse require intervention that focuses on resolution of trauma and loss and responds to individual differences in attitudes toward attachment issues.