Unsolvable Fear, Trauma, and Psychopathology: Theory, Research, and Clinical Considerations Related to Disorganized Attachment Across the Life Span

This article features a selective review of attachment theory and research that have contributed knowledge about dynamics underlying early trauma, mechanisms by which maladaptive responses to trauma may be transmitted between generations, and trauma-related risk factors for psychopathology in children, adolescents, and adults. First, we focus on the foundations of attachment theory and discuss ways in which the attachment, exploratory, and fear behavioral systems interact to promote infants' survival. The second section of the paper examines the connection between frightening experiences and disorganized attachment. Infants who are regularly and seriously frightened by aspects of their caregiving environment are believed to be at risk for "unsolvable fear" in which organized attachment responses to fear are impossible. We describe the behaviors and representations characteristic of disorganized children and their parents. Next, we review recent research about relations among attachment, trauma, and psychopathology across the lifespan. Finally, we discuss implications of these findings for clinical practice.