RELATING TO OURSELVES, OTHERS, AND GOD: THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN INTERNAL WORKING MODELS AND TRAUMA SYMPTOMS IN THOSE WITH ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES
Date
2023
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Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are known to be associated with trauma symptoms (TS). However, the details of this relationship require further research. Using Bowlby’s internal working model theory (IWM), a moderated mediation was proposed as a framework to conceptualize the impact of ACEs on TS in adulthood. Christian adults (N = 219) were recruited to complete measures for ACEs, trauma exposure after the age of 18, TS, and three factors (attachment, alexithymia, and religious/spiritual struggle [RSS]) hypothesized to influence the relationship between ACEs and TS. Specifically, within the moderated mediation, insecure attachment (anxious and avoidant) was hypothesized to be associated with TS through alexithymia, and this relationship was hypothesized to be moderated by RSS. The results indicated significant associations between variables corroborating existing literature on the correspondence hypothesis in the God attachment literature. This can additionally point towards the value of conceptualizing the impact of ACEs through an IWM. However, the overall moderated mediation model was not significant. A post hoc analysis revealed that the relationship between insecure anxious attachment and TS was independently mediated by alexithymia, highlighting that the variables presented here contribute to the experience of trauma. Clinical applications, limitations of the study, and future directions for research are discussed.
Description
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Psychology
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Clinical Psychology