Sammanfattning
Background: The capacity to manage affects is rooted in early interactions with caregivers, which in
adulthood are internalized as different attachment styles. Few studies have explored associations
between all four attachment styles and symptoms. Aim: Our aim was to investigate the relations
between the four attachment styles and psychological distress in a group of people with psychosis.
Method: In a cross-sectional study, associations between self-reported attachment style and
symptoms in a psychosis group were explored. Attachment styles were measured with the
Relationship Questionnaire (RQ) and symptoms were assessed with the revised version of the
Symptom Checklist (SCL-90R) Results: The analyses showed a significant positive association
between preoccupied attachment and the severity of symptoms. Furthermore, the analyses indicated
significant positive associations between preoccupied attachment and the subscales measuring
depression, anxiety, interpersonal sensitivity, paranoia and psychoticism. We also found significant
positive associations between fearful attachment and both interpersonal sensitivity and
psychoticism. Conclusion: The associations between attachment styles and symptoms found here
are consistent with those of previous studies. It could be important for clinicians to identify patients’
attachment styles. Such knowledge would help mental health professionals to understand better the
patients’ capacity to handle distress and help professionals to address interventions aiming to target
each patient's specific needs.