Attachment Styles and Perceived Social Support as Mediators in the Relationship between Childhood Trauma and Dissociation: A Serial Mediation Model

Dissociation is characterized by a loss of control and integration of consciousness. The development of dissociative disorders has been heavily debated, with the prevailing theory suggesting that childhood trauma is often a major part of its genesis. However, it is also argued that other events and extraneous factors might explain one’s propensity to experience dissociation. This study aimed to investigate whether childhood trauma has a strong correlation with dissociative experiences and whether attachment styles and perceived social support explain this association. Data was extracted from a previous study that assessed childhood trauma, dissociation, attachment insecurity and perceived social support. A serial mediation model was conceptualized. Results indicated a weak but significant association between childhood trauma and dissociative experiences. Additionally, the serial mediation model was significant, demonstrating that increased childhood trauma led to an increase in...Show moreDissociation is characterized by a loss of control and integration of consciousness. The development of dissociative disorders has been heavily debated, with the prevailing theory suggesting that childhood trauma is often a major part of its genesis. However, it is also argued that other events and extraneous factors might explain one’s propensity to experience dissociation. This study aimed to investigate whether childhood trauma has a strong correlation with dissociative experiences and whether attachment styles and perceived social support explain this association. Data was extracted from a previous study that assessed childhood trauma, dissociation, attachment insecurity and perceived social support. A serial mediation model was conceptualized. Results indicated a weak but significant association between childhood trauma and dissociative experiences. Additionally, the serial mediation model was significant, demonstrating that increased childhood trauma led to an increase in dissociative experiences through decreased social support and higher attachment insecurity. Implications for clinical practice include the importance of working through early attachment experiences and earned security. Further research is imperative in overcoming study limitations such as generalizability and the cross-sectional design.Show less

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Attachment Styles and Perceived Social Support as Mediators in the Relationship between Childhood Trauma and Dissociation: A Serial Mediation Model