Attachment Styles as Indicators of Positive and Negative Symptoms in Patients with Schizophrenia

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to investigate the association and contribution of insecure attachment styles i.e. avoidant and anxious attachment styles with positive and negative symptoms of psychosis in patients with schizophrenia. The sample comprised of 120 patients with schizophrenia aged 24-50 years (M= 36.71, SD=9.8). The measures administered along with Semi Structured Interview Form, included: Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) (Kay et al., 1987) and Revised Adult Attachment Scale (Collins & Read, 1990). The results of regression analyses revealed both insecure attachment styles i.e. avoidant and anxious attachment as significant predictors of positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. These findings signify the insecure attachment as risk factor for the symptomology of schizophrenia. Limitations and implications of findings were discussed.