The relationship between attachment and functioning for people with serious mental illness: a systematic review

Functional impairment is a hallmark feature of severe mental health problems (SMI). Attachment theory is a key psychological theory of interpersonal functioning and difficulties in attachment are common in SMI and may help explain functioning problems in SMI. This systematic review aimed to synthesise and critically appraise existing literature exploring associations between adult attachment style and functioning in SMI samples.

Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines we systematically searched five databases using strings of terms relating to both attachment and social functioning. Inclusion criteria were samples diagnosed with SMI and validated measure tools.

Ten studies met inclusion criteria. Considerable heterogeneity was found across studies in relation to construct measurement, sample size, and gender distribution. However, as predicted there was some evidence to suggest that secure attachment is associated with better functioning, and insecure attachment (specifically anxious style) is associated with impairments in functioning.

Findings highlight the importance of considering attachment in relation to functional outcome when working with people with SMI, particularly when assessing, formulating, and delivering psychological interventions.