Object attachment in hoarding disorder and its role in a compensatory process

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Clinical Psychology

Background:

• Hoarding disorder (HD) is defined by compulsive acquisition and difficulty discarding items, leading to significant functional impairment.
• Heightened object attachment is a key characteristic of HD, central to prominent theoretical models.
• Understanding object attachment is crucial for developing effective interventions for hoarding disorder.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current research on the nature and function of object attachment in hoarding disorder.
• To explore the hypothesis that object attachment in HD serves as a compensatory mechanism for unmet relatedness needs.
• To highlight recent findings on the insecure nature of object attachment in individuals with hoarding disorder.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of studies on object attachment in hoarding disorder.
• Analysis of theoretical models and empirical research.
• Synthesis of evidence regarding the role of relatedness needs and attachment security.

Main Results:

• Growing evidence suggests object attachment in HD is a compensatory response to unmet relatedness needs.
• Recent research indicates that object attachment in hoarding is characterized by insecurity.
• The review identifies critical gaps, including a lack of longitudinal studies and research on interpersonal interventions.

Conclusions:

• Object attachment in hoarding disorder appears to be a complex phenomenon linked to interpersonal needs and attachment insecurity.
• Further research into the compensatory processes underlying object attachment is essential.
• Elucidating these processes has significant implications for the treatment of hoarding disorder.