The influences of unresolved trauma and family experiences on hoarding behavior

Abstract

In a sample of 387 participants who self-reported being a person who hoards or a family member of a person who hoards, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the fit of a proposed model that examined the influences that unresolved trauma and loss, psychological distress, attachment security, and positive family dynamics had on hoarding behavior. The study found that higher levels of unresolved trauma and loss and psychological distress contribute to predicting hoarding severity, and positive family dynamics can serve as a protective factor in the relationship between these variables. Future research, treatment, and policy implications are discussed.