Attachment Differences Across Close Relationships Among Inpatients With Avoidant or Obsessive‐Compulsive Personality Pathology

Two pathologies frequently presenting to treatment are the fear-based Cluster C variants of avoidant and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders. Despite their distinctive syndromes, the literature has noted similar presentations and therapist-patient interactions that challenge diagnostic and treatment efforts. This study used a large sample (N = 1728) of psychiatric inpatients to observe differences in attachment styles across important persons (e.g., mom, dad, partner and friends) for those with avoidant or obsessive-compulsive personality pathology. Results demonstrated variety in attachment style across important persons, particularly for those with avoidant personality disorder. A discussion of these results conveys their distinction as clinical syndromes, despite their grouping under the Cluster C category. Further, clinical implications are discussed to advocate for my tailored approaches to treating these conditions in psychotherapy and inpatient practice. SUMMARY: Inpatients with avoidant personality pathology demonstrated insecure attachment across more important figures than those with obsessive-compulsive personality pathology. Both avoidant and obsessive-compulsive PD inpatients share a maternal insecure attachment. The current DSM-5 categorization may overemphasize the degree of overlap between these Cluster C conditions.