Mental Health Following Separation in a Disaster: The Role of Attachment. Issue 1 (7th January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gallagher, H. Colin; Richardson, John; Forbes, David; Harms, Louise; Gibbs, Lisa; Alkemade, Nathan; MacDougall, Colin; Waters, Elizabeth; Block, Karen; Lusher, Dean; Baker, Elyse; Bryant, Richard A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of traumatic stress. Volume 29:Issue 1(2016:Feb.)
• Page Start: 56
• Page End: 64
• Publication Date: 2016-01-07
• Subjects: Post-traumatic stress disorder -- Periodicals; 616.8521
• DOI: 10.1002/jts.22071
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0894-9867

Abstract

Abstract: Short‐term separation from close family members during a disaster is a highly salient event for those involved. Yet, its subsequent impact on mental health has received little empirical attention. One relevant factor may be attachment style, which influences patterns of support‐seeking under threatening conditions. Individuals ( N = 914) affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfires in southeastern Australia were assessed for disaster experiences, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and attachment style 3–4 years after the fires. Using multigroup structural equation modelling, individuals who reported separation from close family members during the bushfires ( n = 471) were compared to those who reported no separation ( n = 443). Cross‐sectional results indicated that separated individuals had higher levels of PTSD symptoms. Furthermore, attachment anxiety was more strongly positively associated with depression among separated ( b = 0.62) versus not separated individuals ( b = 0.32). Unexpectedly, among separated individuals, attachment avoidance had a statistically weaker association with depression ( b = 0.17 vs. b = 0.35) and with PTSD symptoms ( b = 0.06 vs. b = 0.22). These results suggest that attachment anxiety amplifies a negative reaction to separation; meanwhile, for avoidant individuals, separation in times of danger may facilitate defensive cognitive processes.