The developmental course of unresolved/disorganized states of mind in a sample of adolescents transitioning into parenthood.

There is a paucity of research examining the stability of Unresolved/Disorganized (Unresolved) representations and associated scales of Unresolved Loss and Trauma, especially in high-risk samples in which Unresolved is more prevalent. Given the negative sequelae associated with Unresolved, understanding its developmental course is important. In this study, 55 adolescents were administered the Adult Attachment Interview prenatally, and again at 6 and 12 months postpartum. Findings revealed significant stability for the Unresolved classification over the transition to parenthood: Adolescents who were Unresolved prenatally were 8 and 18 times more likely to be classified as Unresolved when their infants were 6 and 12 months old, respectively. Growth curve modelling revealed that, on average, there was a steady linear decline in Unresolved loss scores over time, with a rate of change of 27% from the prenatal to 12 months postpartum assessments. There were also significant individual differences in this rate of change. Physical abuse was associated with higher levels of Unresolved loss at the prenatal assessment, and preoccupied attachment attenuated the likelihood of a decline over time in Unresolved loss scores. There was no significant mean rate of change for Unresolved trauma; however, there was considerable variability in scores, with some individuals increasing and others decreasing. Dismissing classifications and a history of sexual abuse were associated with higher levels of Unresolved trauma at the prenatal assessment, and severity of physical abuse was associated with increasing scores of Unresolved trauma over time. Theoretical and methodological implications of these findings are discussed.