The present study examined self-reported romantic attachment style and
Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) states of mind regarding early attachment
relationships, personality dimensions, and psychopathology in a
psychiatric sample of trauma survivors. Inpatients (N = 80)
admitted to a hospital trauma treatment program were administered the
Experiences in Close Relationships Scale, AAI, Millon Clinical Multiaxial
Inventory—III, Dissociative Experiences Scale, and Dissociative
Disorder Interview Schedule. Self-report and AAI attachment
classifications were not related, and different results emerged for the
two measures. Self-reported romantic attachment style was significantly
associated with personality dimensions, with fearful adults showing the
most maladaptive personality profiles. Findings suggested that self-report
dimensions of self and other independently contribute to different forms
of psychological dysfunction. AAI unresolved trauma was uniquely
associated with dissociation and posttraumatic stress disorder, whereas
unresolved trauma and unresolved loss jointly contributed to schizotypal
and borderline personality disorder scores. The differences in findings
between the two measures are discussed with a view toward the
developmental and clinical implications.This project was partially funded by the Department of
Psychology and Philosophy at Texas Woman's University and the Ross
Institute. We are grateful to the staff and patients of the Timberlawn
Psychiatric Hospital Trauma Program for their time. In addition, we
express our appreciation to Dante Cicchetti and the editorial reviewers,
whose insightful suggestions substantially enhanced the
manuscript.