Social support and attachment in persons diagnosed with psychotic spectrum disorders
Abstract
Introduction: Individuals with diagnosed psychotic spectrum disorders often suffer from impaired social functioning and related additional adverse effects on an interpersonal relationship level, like a smaller social network or less social support compared to unaffected persons. This means additional negative psychological effects in an already challenging situation.
Materials and methods: Individuals with a diagnosed psychotic spectrum disorder (n = 24) were compared to a healthy adult control group (n = 145) on the German versions of the Interpersonal Relationships and Attachment Personality Inventory (Beziehungs- und Bindungs-Persönlichkeitsinventar; BB-PI; Andresen, 2012) and the Questionnaire on Social Support (Fragebogen zur sozialen Unterstützung; F-SozU; Fydrich et al., 2007).
Results: The clinical sample had a higher self-reported need for attachment, higher relationship insecurity, but also a higher trust in their attractiveness and ability to seduce other individuals. In addition, after correcting for age, affected individuals reported less social support on all sub-scales with the exception of the scales Social Integration and Satisfaction with Social Support. In additional analyses, among other results, protective effects of being in a dyadic romantic relationship emerged.
Conclusion: It is concluded that a diagnosed psychotic spectrum disorder goes along with specific interpersonal relationship styles and reduced social support. Social aspects should be an essential part of a successful therapeutic concept.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.13129/2282-1619/mjcp-4055
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