The effect of attachment security priming and oxytocin on physiological responses to trauma films and subsequent intrusions. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Karl, Anke; Carnelley, Katherine B.; Arikan, Gizem; Baldwin, David S.; Heinrichs, Markus; Stopa, Lusia
• Is Part Of: Behaviour research and therapy. Volume 141(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Oxytocin -- Attachment priming -- Trauma film paradigm -- Psychophysiology -- Intrusions; Cognitive therapy -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; 616.891
• DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2021.103845
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0005-7967

Abstract

Abstract: To further understand protective mechanisms to prevent post-traumatic stress disorder or assist recovery from psychological trauma, this study investigated whether pharmacological and psychological activation of a secure attachment representation elicits higher felt-security and a related response pattern of reduced physiological arousal and increased parasympathetic activation; and whether it protects individuals from developing intrusions and experiencing distress in the week following exposure to a trauma film. Using a double-blind, experimental mixed factorial design, 101 volunteers received either oxytocin or placebo and either secure attachment or neutral priming before watching a trauma film. We measured felt security as an indicator of the strength of activation of a secure attachment representation, skin conductance and heart rate as indicators of physiological arousal, and high frequency heart rate variability as an indicator of parasympathetic activation during the priming and the film. Participants then completed a seven-day intrusion diary. Secure attachment priming, but not oxytocin administration or the combination of both, was associated with reduced physiological arousal and increased parasympathetic activity during priming. Although secure attachment priming was not related to the absolute number of intrusions or to less perceived distress or physiological arousal during the trauma film, it was associated with lower intrusion-related distress in the 7-days post-testing. Our findings extend previous research that suggests the importance of interventions that address intrusion-related distress for recovery from trauma, and suggest a promising role for secure attachment priming in trauma-focused psychological therapies. We contribute to the growing literature that finds that higher subjective distress during a trauma is associated with higher intrusion-related distress. We discuss theoretical implications and possible mechanisms through which secure attachment priming may exert potential beneficial effects. Highlights: Activating a mental representation of a supportive significant other by priming security: Increased felt security and reduced physiological arousal Activated the parasympathetic system important for emotion regulation (increased heart rate variability) and Was associated with lower distressing memories of a traumatic event. This effect was not increased by intranasal oxytocin The promising role for secure attachment priming on intrusion-related distress could have important clinical implications for trauma-focused therapy The role of oxytocin for intrusion development requires further investigation