Reorganization of unresolved childhood traumatic memories following exposure therapy

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2003 Dec:1008:297-9. doi: 10.1196/annals.1301.036.

Abstract

As part of an ongoing randomized clinical trial for childhood-abuse-related PTSD, this study examined the association between PTSD and unresolved attachment as measured by the Adult Attachment Interview in a sample of 52 female childhood-abuse survivors. Results revealed that 55% of the sample was classified as preoccupied and almost 75% was classified as unresolved with regard to trauma. In a preliminary sample of 18 women who completed treatment, 13 were unresolved before treatment and 8 lost their unresolved status following treatment. This effect was significantly more pronounced in the exposure condition compared to the skills training condition.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child Abuse / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Memory*
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology*
  • Survivors / psychology*
  • Time Factors