Attachment, mentalization and the impact of trauma

Mentalization refers to the ability to understand and interpret the actions of oneself and others as driven by intentional mental states. This crucial cognitive function develops within secure attachment relationships, where a child learns to understand and represent their emotions through marked and contingent mirroring by their caregiver. Such interactions facilitate emotion regulation, a coherent sense of self, and meaningful connections with others.

However, childhood adversity can disrupt attachment and impede the development of mentalizing abilities, thereby increasing the risk of psychopathology. Adversity is particularly traumatic when a child feels isolated, lacking the presence of another mind to provide social referencing and emotional support. This sense of isolation can be overwhelming, highlighting the necessity of learning from and connecting with others. Epistemic hypervigilance, the heightened state of distrust towards the knowledge and intentions of others, can further obstruct the ability to restore mentalizing and foster epistemic trust in a “we-mode.” This impedes the process of overcoming feelings of isolation and trauma. Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) offers a promising approach for helping traumatized individuals re-establish connections and facilitate recovery.

This Research Topic invites papers that explore the intricate relationships between mentalization, attachment, and trauma. Submissions may include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

- Reviews: Comprehensive reviews that synthesize existing literature on mentalization, attachment, and trauma. Original Research Papers: Empirical studies examining the interrelationships between mentalization, attachment, and trauma, including both quantitative and qualitative research.
- Epistemic Trust and the We-Mode: Investigations into how epistemic trust and the "we-mode" influence the development and restoration of mentalizing capacities.
- Treatment Studies: Research on therapeutic interventions, particularly Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT) for trauma, and their efficacy in enhancing mentalization and attachment security.
- Case Studies: In-depth analyses of individual cases that provide insights into the interplay between mentalization, attachment, and trauma, as well as the application of therapeutic techniques.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: trauma, attachment, mentalization, psychopathology, MBT, mentalization-based therapy

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.