Impact of Secure vs Insecure Attachment on Traumatization

Securely attached individuals who experienced abuse showed symptoms of post-traumatic stress and anxiety without developing personality disorders, dissociative disorders, or multiple addictive behaviors. In contrast, insecurely attached individuals, especially those with disorganized attachment, tended to develop mixed borderline personality disorders, major dissociative disorders, and multiple addictive behaviors. The study revealed that complex trauma was mainly a result of disorganized attachment aggravated by abuse, affecting relational, self, and emotional development. The long-term consequences included the development of major personality disorders, dissociative behaviors, and multiple addictive behaviors. Secure attachment acted as a protective factor against severe traumatization, while insecure attachment, particularly disorganized attachment, increased vulnerability to severe traumatization in later childhood.