Attachment orientation among resettled refugees in Australia: A latent profile analysis

The refugee experience is defined by a process of cumulative traumatization and ongoing post-displacement stress, driving elevated rates of psychopathology. Attachment theory offers a unique lens to understand why psychological symptoms persist following resettlement after traumatic events. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was employed to model attachment profiles using the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire in a large sample of refugees and asylum seekers residing in Australia (N = 1077). Four distinct attachment profiles were identified. Forty six percent of the sample (n = 496) were classified as having a secure attachment profile, followed by avoidant (29.2%, n = 314), fearful (high avoidant, high preoccupied) 14.7%, n = 158) and preoccupied-anxious (10.1%, n = 109). Results from multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed several refugee-specific experiences were associated with membership in the insecure attachment profiles, including temporary visa status, family separation and exposure to more types of potentially traumatic events. A separate multivariate logistic regression suggested meaningful differences in levels of psychopathology and social engagement between attachment profiles, including that securely attached individuals had the lowest levels of PTSD and depression symptom severity, with avoidantly attached individuals displaying the lowest levels of social engagement. Results suggest that attachment insecurity is common amongst refugees. These findings highlight the potential value of integrating an attachment perspective into existing refugee mental health interventions, whereby the restoration of secure attachment is established as a primary treatment objective for refugees seeking mental health support.