Parental object representations, attachment to God, and recovery among individuals with psychosis

Abstract

This study explored the relationships between object representations of mother and father and recovery among outpatients with psychotic disorders, and examined the role of attachment to God in moderating those relationships. A total of 46 outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder participated. Benevolent representations of mother and father were associated with recovery whereas punitive representations were negatively associated with recovery. Secure attachment to God amplified the association between benevolent representations of father and recovery. Secure attachment to God was found to buffer the relationship between mild-to-moderate punitive parental representations and recovery; however, this relationship was not evident for those with the most punitive parental representations. Directions for future research and clinical implications are discussed.

Keywords:

• attachment
• object representation
• ORI
• religion
• recovery
• schizophrenia
• psychosis

Notes

1. We are grateful for the patients and staff at the WCHS day treatment programs. We are incredibly thankful for each individual who gave their time and their story to this project, receiving nothing in return. Each participant is an essential part of the larger story about persistent mental illness and the path to recovery.

2. The authors would like to thank M. Bodtmann, L. Candelario, G. Madera, D. Pennacchia, C. Schwartz, and S. Stoycos who served as undergraduate research assistants on this project.