A comparative study between the attachment styles of adults who were raised by mothers with schizophrenic disorders, depression, and those raised by mentally healthy mothers

Abstract

Introduction

Maternal psychopathology can have a server effect on the ability of mothers to attach to their children.

Aim

To ascertain the level of attachment of adults between the ages of 18–25 years of age who were raised by mothers who suffer from schizophrenic disorders and depressive spectrum disorders, then compared to adults who were raised by mothers with no formal clinical diagnosis.

Method

This study used the Adult Attachment Questioner (AAQ), by Simpson Rholes Philips (1996) to ascertain the level of attachment of adults between the ages of 18–25 years of age who were raised by mothers who suffer from schizophrenic disorders (n = 30) and depressive spectrum disorders (n = 30). The findings of these two groups were then compared to adults who were raised by mothers with no formal clinical diagnosis (n = 30).

Result

The findings indicated that there is a significant difference between adults who were raised by mothers with the aforementioned mental disorders (schizophrenic and depression), as compared to those who were raised by mentally healthy mothers.

Conclusion

The style of attachment in adults who were raised by mothers with the aforementioned clinical diagnosis (schizophrenic and depression) have insecure attachments, while the children who were raised by mentally healthy mothers have almost secure attachment style.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.