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Altered EEG Patterns in Individuals with Disorganized Attachment: An EEG Microstates Study
Giuseppe A Carbone1, Christoph M Michel2,3, Benedetto Farina4
1Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Brain Topography
|February 28, 2024
Summary
Disorganized attachment (DA) is linked to altered brain activity. This study used EEG microstates to show differences in individuals with DA, particularly in how they process emotional information and mentalize after an attachment interview.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Attachment Theory
Background:
- Disorganized Attachment (DA) is associated with dysregulation in autonomic arousal and brain connectivity.
- Few studies have utilized electroencephalography (EEG) to investigate the specific neural alterations underlying DA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate EEG microstate parameters in a non-clinical sample with Disorganized Attachment (DA) before and after the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI).
- To explore potential differences in brain activity related to emotional processing and mentalization in individuals with DA.
Main Methods:
- Two eyes-closed Resting State (RS) EEG recordings were conducted on 50 participants before and after the AAI.
- EEG microstate parameters (Mean Duration, Time Coverage, Occurrence) were analyzed using Cartool software.
- Participants were classified as Disorganized/Unresolved (D/U) or Organized/Resolved (O/R) based on the AAI.
Main Results:
- D/U individuals showed shorter Mean Duration and Time Coverage of Map F compared to O/R individuals pre-AAI.
- D/U individuals exhibited a reduced Mean Duration of Map E post-AAI.
- The D/U group showed a significant increase in Time Coverage of Map F after the AAI, unlike the O/R group.
Conclusions:
- EEG microstate alterations in D/U individuals may reflect deficits in mentalization and increased sensitivity to attachment-related stimuli.
- Findings suggest DA impacts brain networks involved in emotional processing and self-referential thought.
- The study highlights the utility of EEG microstates in understanding the neural underpinnings of attachment styles.
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