From Attachment Theory to Mentalization: Historical Background and Clinical Implications

Bahn, Geon Ho

Abstract

John Bowlby linked the pre-existing psychoanalysis theory with thology theories, placing greater emphasis on the mother-baby interaction than the individual psychosexual development. The ttachment developed from the interaction with the care-giver can be categorized into secure and insecure types. Insecure attachment can continue throughout the adulthood and influence personal relations and social life. Mostly affect regulation problems occur. Mentalization is the ability to understand other people's feelings, emotions and thoughts. Since Peter Fonagy developed the mentalization theory based on the attachment theory, a number of various evidence-based studies have been carried out. In order to objectively assess attachment and mentalization, Fonagy and other researchers developed various assessment tools such as brief reflective functioning interviews, mentalizing stories for adolescents and mental state tasks. Mentalization-based treatment techniques have been applied to patients with borderline personality disorder to achieve symptomatic improvements.