Trauma, Attachment and Culture

Research has consistently highlighted an increased prevalence of mental health problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, following both man-made and natural disasters. Secure attachment and mentalizing have been previously identified as potential protective factors against the onset of mental health difficulties following such events. Indeed, attachment has been found to be central in understanding how one deals with trauma across the lifespan, as the early attachment relationship provides a template for future relationships. Noteworthy is the role of culture in defining determinants of secure attachment, as well as potential triggers of trauma. Recently, scholars have been delving into explaining how culture affects our understanding of attachment behaviors. Furthermore, authors have explored cultural definitions of trauma; however, few, if any empirical studies, have investigated the interaction between the three constructs.

The interrelated constructs of attachment and mentalizing has been consistently found to play a crucial role in psychosocial adjustment throughout the lifespan. However, the evidence for this relationship has mainly been garnered in Western industrialized countries, with only a few studies examining these constructs cross-culturally. Indeed, Non-Western cultural contexts may affect aspects of the caregiving relationship in various differential ways through many mechanisms such as the cultural dimensions of individualism and collectivism, the presence of multiple caregiving relationships, both affecting the child’s perceptions of strangers, as well as cultural understandings of parenting sensitivity, differing communication styles, and mentalizing capacities. Culture has also been found to play a role in one’s understanding of trauma and how to cope with trauma. We, therefore, aim to explore the interaction between attachment, trauma, and culture.

This Research Topic is looking to include original empirical research, reviews, or short communication around “Trauma, Attachment, and Culture.” In this collection, we hope to gather research papers exploring the roles of attachment and mentalizing in buffering the negative effects of trauma, with a special lens on the role played by culture in understanding the interplay between these constructs. Cross-cultural studies on attachment and trauma are especially sought after for this collection.