Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the sequential mediating effects of mentalization and the traumatized self-system on the relationship between childhood attachment trauma and interpersonal problems in early adulthood. A total of 393 early adults participated in the survey. All participants completed the CTQ-SF, SRMQ, TSSS, and KIIP-SC. There was a significant difference in mentalization, the traumatized self-system, and interpersonal problems between the high (top 25%) and low (bottom 25%) attachment trauma groups. The results showed that the sequential mediating effects of mentalization and the traumatized self-system were significant in the relationship between childhood attachment trauma and early adult interpersonal problems. Additionally, the high group exhibited a significant direct path from childhood attachment trauma to the traumatized self-system, unlike the low group. These results indicate that those who experienced childhood attachment trauma have a low level of mentalization, which contributes to difficulties in interpersonal relationships due to self-system damage. This study suggests a specific psychological mechanism for the effects of childhood attachment trauma on early adult interpersonal problems and confirms the differences in pathways based on attachment trauma levels. In conclusion, Mentalization-Based Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy will be effective therapeutic approaches for individuals who have suffered from childhood attachment trauma and are experiencing interpersonal problems. Specifically, this study identified the psychological pathway for individuals with interpersonal problems associated with childhood attachment trauma in early adulthood. It also highlights the need for level-specific interventions based on an understanding of the sequential mediating process from mentalization to the traumatized self-system.