Change in Attachment Dimensions and Reflective Functioning Following Emotionally Focused Group Therapy for Binge...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Psychotherapy Research

Background:

• Binge eating disorder (BED) is associated with insecure attachment patterns.
• Attachment styles can influence therapeutic outcomes.
• Emotionally Focused Group Therapy (EFGT) is an intervention that may address underlying attachment issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine changes in attachment variables following Emotionally Focused Group Therapy (EFGT) for individuals with binge eating disorder (BED).
• To assess the impact of EFGT on secure and insecure attachment classifications.
• To evaluate changes in Coherence of Mind and Reflective Functioning scores.

Main Methods:

• A clinical sample of 118 individuals with BED participated in 20 sessions of EFGT.
• The Adult Attachment Interview was administered pre-treatment and six months post-treatment.
• Statistical analyses were used to compare pre- and post-treatment attachment variables.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in secure attachment style classification were observed.
• Coherence of Mind and Reflective Functioning scores significantly increased.
• Unresolved/disorganized attachment style classification and scores significantly decreased post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• EFGT appears to be a promising treatment for facilitating positive changes in attachment variables for individuals with BED.
• Improvements in attachment may be attributed to EFGT-specific interventions, common therapeutic factors, and group processes.
• These findings suggest EFGT can positively impact the psychological underpinnings of BED.