A Model of dissociation based on attachment theory and research

Liotti, Giovanni

doi:10.1300/j229v07n04_04

Cited by 190Psychoanalysis and Psychopathology ResearchPsychosomatic Disorders and Their TreatmentsPsychotherapy Techniques and Applications

A Model of dissociation based on attachment theory and research

Liotti, Giovanni·2006·Journal of Trauma & Dissociation

DOI 10.1300/j229v07n04_04

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Abstract

The article offers an historical review of studies on the role played by attachment processes in dissociative psychopathology. The treatise proceeds from Bowlby's first insights, through Main and her collaborators' empirical studies on attachment disorganization, to the first formulation of the hypothesis linking disorganized early attachment to pathological dissociation. Recent research supporting the hypothesis is then reviewed. It is concluded that infant attachment disorganization is in itself a dissociative process, and predisposes the individual to respond with pathological dissociation to later traumas and life stressors. Four implications of this theory are interspersed in the review and are discussed in the final section: (1) pathological dissociation should be viewed as a primarily intersubjective reality hindering the integrative processes of consciousness, rather than as an intrapsychic defense against mental pain; (2) early defenses against attachment-related dissociation are based on interpersonal controlling strategies that inhibit the attachment system; (3) dissociative symptoms emerge as a consequence of the collapse of these defensive strategies in the face of events that powerfully activate the attachment system; (4) psychotherapy of pathological dissociation should be a phase-oriented process focused primarily on achieving attachment security, and only secondarily on trauma work. Research studies on the psychotherapy process could test some predictions of this model.

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Dissociative symptoms are frequently associated with disrupted development of attachment relationships.
“In addition to their association with traumatic life events, dissociative symptoms are frequently associated with disrupted development of attachment relationships (Dutra et al., 2009;Liotti, 2006Liotti, , 2004;;Schore, 2002Schore, , 2009)).”
From A review of the relation between dissociation, memory, executive functioning and social cognition in military members and civilians with neuropsychiatric conditions (2016) · cites this paper as Liotti, 2006

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Authors: Liotti, G.
Corresponding author: Liotti, Giovanni
Venue: Journal of Trauma & Dissociation
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Published: 2006-11-21
Volume: 7
Issue: 4
Pages: 55-73
ISSN: 1529-9732 (ISSN-L)
1529-9740
DOI: 10.1300/j229v07n04_04
OpenAlex: W2028745930
Cited by: 190
References: 52
Citations by year: 2026: 10 · 2025: 24 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 13 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 15 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 9 · 2017: 11 · 2016: 11 · 2015: 10 · 2014: 15 · 2013: 8 · 2012: 7
FWCI: 0.61
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Journal of Trauma & Dissociation (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychoanalysis and Psychopathology Research
Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Treatments
Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
Keywords: pathological dissociation, attachment theory, disorganized attachment, Bowlby, Main, intersubjectivity, defense mechanisms, attachment security, trauma
MeSH terms: Dissociative Disorders, Humans, Interpersonal Relations, Object Attachment, Psychological Theory

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A Model of dissociation based on attachment theory and research

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