A grounded theory of attachment processes in EMDR for psychosis

Background

Disruptions in early attachment experiences have been associated with greater risk for the development of psychosis. Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) has been found effective in supporting individuals with psychosis to make sense of and heal from adverse experience, while improving attachment security.

Purpose

This research approached psychosis as a dissociative response to early attachment trauma and sought to identify processes between attachment and EMDR that might promote recovery from psychosis. Basic procedures Seven participants who had received EMDR for psychosis were recruited and completed two attachment screening measures before taking part in a semi structured interview. The interviews were analysed using the Glaser and Strauss (1967) qualitative grounded theory approach to inductively discover theory from the data. This was approached from a critical realist perspective, and a clear model emerged from the data.

Findings

The model highlighted the role of relationships with therapists and wider supporting mental health team through the EMDR process that encouraged a reconnection with a sense of self and reconnection with others. EMDR processes and improvements in relationships contributed to a reduction in psychosis, greater sense of connection and felt support, personal growth and a sense of distance from trauma in recovery that allowed a return to normal day to day activities. Clinical implications, limitations and future research were considered.