Trauma and PTSD: Their Relationship with Attachment and Recovery Styles in People with Psychosis

Abstract

This thesis follows the paper-based format and Papers One and Two have been prepared for submission to Clinical Psychology Review and Schizophrenia Bulletin, respectively. The relevant submission guidelines are included in the appendix (Appendix A).Research suggests that trauma plays a part in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and psychosis, but it is unclear what role psychotic symptoms or hospitalisation have. Some research has been carried out on mediators and predictors of PTSD and integrating the evidence has key implications for individual and service outcomes. The two papers presented in this thesis aim to contribute to research in this area, followed by a critical review of the research, its relevance and future implications.Paper One is a systematic review of the literature investigating the prevalence of psychosis-related and hospital-related PTSD and considered what factors moderate or mediates these symptoms. Studies showed high levels of psychosis-related and hospital-related PTSD and seventeen factors that may influence the development of psychosis-related or hospital-related PTSD were explored. However incidence rates in different populations are lacking and there is a need to better explore mediating and moderating factors.Paper Two aimed to investigate the traumatic nature of psychosis and hospitalisation and their relationships with attachment and recovery styles in people with psychosis in a secure setting. The final section, the Critical Review, aimed to place the research in a wider context, considering the findings from the research, limitations of the study, highlighting important issues for services, and implications for interventions and future studies.

Date of Award	31 Dec 2011
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	Rachel Calam (Supervisor) & Katherine Berry (Supervisor)