[Summary Examining the relationship between mentalisation, attachment, and resilience in an adult sample].

Objective: We investigated the relationship between mentalisation, attachment and resilience in an adult sample.

Method: 225 people completed the Reflective Function Questionnaire (RFQ-H), the Experiences in Close Relationships Questionnaire (ECR-R-HU), and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Questionnaire (CD-RISC) in our non-clinical study after informed consent. The analysis was controlled for gender of the respondents.

Results: The models were found to be significant in the mediator analysis. The path between attachment total score and hypomentalisation was significant (a=2.88, p<0.01, β=0.32). The direct path between attachment total score and resilience was found to be significant (c'=-2.00, p<0.001, β=-0.28). The relationship between hypomentalisation and resilience was also significant (b=-0.30, p<0.01, β=-0.38). The indirect pathway between attachment and resilience through hypomentalisation was found to be significant (∑ab=-0.87 [-1.41 - -0.40], β = 0.12). Thus, a high total attachment score through higher levels of hypomentalisation predicts lower resilience. Based on the standardized regression coefficients, hypomentalisation was the strongest predictor of resilience, and attachment was more strongly associated with resilience via direct than indirect means via hypomentalisation.

Conclusions: Our results suggest - considering the limitations of our research - that attachment is related to resilience through mentalisation, and that mentalisation itself is a strong predictor of resilience. The practical implication of our results is that the use of mentalisation-based methods may be worth considering for individuals with lower levels of resilience.