Randomized trial investigates pathways linking childhood maltreatment to adult psychopathology, suggesting mentalizing interventions may help.
Key Points
This study aims to explore how childhood maltreatment relates to adult psychopathology and the mediating roles of mentalizing and attachment styles.
Cross-sectional sample of 340 participants assessed for childhood maltreatment and adult psychopathology.
Structural equation modeling (SEM) and network analysis were used to analyze the data.
Investigation focused on severity and multiplicity of maltreatment and their effects on psychological distress and BPD symptoms.
A dose-response relationship was established, showing that both severity and multiplicity of maltreatment increased psychological distress.
Mentalizing difficulties demonstrated a partial indirect effect on the maltreatment-psychopathology relationship.
Attachment anxiety showed an indirect effect, while attachment avoidance was not significant; mentalizing was identified as the strongest indirect pathway.