The antecedents and consequences of disorganised attachment and dissociation

Attachment researchers theorise that the primary antecedent of dissociation is disorganised attachment. However, the family and social contexts of this parent–child relationship are frequently ignored even though they play an important role in determining whether the unresolved attachment of the parent actually leads to the role confusion characteristic of disorganised attachment and dissociation in the child. This article will address first how the dynamics leading to disorganised attachment and dissociation are dependent on the larger family and social contexts; and second how both unresolved attachment and dissociation in the adolescent or adult are often maintained through the choice of a partner, the dissociative symptoms themselves and other social conditions to which these individuals are frequently exposed. Two case studies will illustrate this thesis. Finally, implications for treatment will be explored.