Developmental processes in young people at-risk of psychosis: The roles of attachment and mentalisation

Coping and psychological adaption have been associated with later outcomes for young people with psychosis including those with at-risk mental states. The dominant focus on symptomatic recovery can easily overlook the... [ view full abstract ]

Coping and psychological adaption have been associated with later outcomes for young people with psychosis including those with at-risk mental states. The dominant focus on symptomatic recovery can easily overlook the trajectories of resilience and adaptation to adverse and unusual experiences which form an important part of recovery and staying well.   

There is little existing empirical support for the role of specific developmental processes in the development of psychological adaption, although there is a strong theoretical case for attachment based processes such as mentalisation (the ability to reflect on mental states of self and others) and emotion regulation.

In this symposium, we present several research studies which examine the role of developmental factors in relation to psychological adaption for young people experiencing psychosis. Specifically, we examine stress sensitivity and social withdrawal in the context of psychosis, including at-risk mental states. We also investigate whether developmental processes predict psychotic experiences in help-seeking young people, recruited from third sector organisations, student populations and NHS services.