Trauma and Attachment in Older Patients with Common Mental Disorders

Abstract

Abstract. The question of the consequences of earlier traumatic experiences in older age cannot be limited to a symptomatic level but should also include additional psychological functions. Of particular interest here is attachment orientation. The present study investigates the question of the connection between potentially traumatic events experienced in the course of life and attachment orientations in old age in a sample of patients of a psychosomatic clinic ( N = 150). The results show that such events are associated with reduced attachment security in older adulthood. However, I could not confirm that this connection becomes more vital in old age. Nevertheless, the results also have a high clinical significance. Finally, I discuss the therapeutic consequences.