A Prospective Study on the Role of Impaired Mentalized Affectivity in the Association between Attachment, Posttraumatic Symptoms, and Problematic Alcohol Use

This study tested whether impaired mentalized affectivity mediates links between attachment insecurity, PTSD symptoms, and problematic alcohol use over one month. Attachment avoidance predicted higher PTSD symptoms through impaired mentalized affectivity, which then increased alcohol use. Findings support the self-medication model and identify mentalized affectivity as a potential intervention target.