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Mentalization and dissociation after adverse childhood experiences
J Wagner-Skacel1, D Riedl2, H Kampling3
1Department of Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria.
Scientific Reports
|April 27, 2022
Summary
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to higher dissociation, but this relationship is fully explained by impaired mentalization. Fostering mentalization skills in individuals with ACEs is crucial for improving mental health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Impaired mentalization can negatively affect coping mechanisms and emotional regulation.
- Understanding the link between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), mentalization, and dissociation is vital for developing effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between ACEs, mentalization, and dissociation in adults.
- To determine if mentalization mediates the association between ACEs and dissociation.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-seven adult patients with a history of ACEs completed validated questionnaires: Mentalization Questionnaire (MZQ), Essener Trauma Inventory (ETI), and Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18).
- Statistical analysis using the SPSS PROCESS macro was employed to test for mediation effects.
Main Results:
- ACEs were significantly associated with increased dissociation and decreased mentalization.
- Mentalization fully mediated the relationship between ACEs and dissociation, as the direct link between ACEs and dissociation became non-significant when mentalization was included in the model.
- The inclusion of mentalization as a predictor substantially improved the explained variance of dissociation (from 17.5% to 49.1%).
Conclusions:
- ACEs are associated with both lower mentalization capacities and higher levels of dissociation.
- Impaired mentalization is a key factor linking adverse childhood experiences to dissociative symptoms.
- Interventions aimed at enhancing mentalization skills in individuals with ACEs are recommended for treating associated psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, somatization, and PTSD symptoms.
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