[Adverse childhood experiences, attachment representations and mentalizing capacity of psychotherapists in training].

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences, attachment representations and mentalizing capacity of psychotherapists in training Objectives: In this study we analyzed the relation between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), attachment representations and reflective functioning (RF) in psychotherapy trainees. Methods: 90 trainees in the beginning of their training of three psychotherapeutic approaches (CBT, psychodynamic and psychoanalytic) were assessed with the Adult-Attachment- Interview (AAI). AAIs were coded for attachment representation, ACE and RF. Experiences in psychotherapy as a patient before training were assessed by online inquiry. Data were analyzed via mediator- and moderator analysis. Results: Therapists in training show to be as burdened as the general population in terms of ACEs. Coding of the AAIs revealed a high percentage of secure attachment (85 %) and mentalizing capacities above the average (RF = 5.8). The relation between number of ACEs and RF was completely mediated by the degree of attachment security. The number of psychotherapy hours before training moderated the negative effect of the number of ACEs on RF. Conclusions: Results underline the importance of personal therapy during training and raise the question how reflective functioning can be fostered during training.