Mentaliseringsförmåga hos unga vuxna: en jämförande studie mellan en klinisk grupp och en normalgrupp

The purpose of this study is to explore the capacity to mentalize among twenty young adults, between 18 and 25 years, in one clinical group and one normal (control) group. The study also explores and compares differences in experiences of relationships during the life course. The study uses semi-structured interviews, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (1965), the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (2000), a Mentalization Scale and the Reflective Functioning Scale (1998) to collect the material. The interviews are analyzed using content analysis (Breakwell, Hammond &Fife-Shaw, 2000) and five major themes are identified: problems, relations, ability to understand own problems, thoughts about mental illness in general and cure, limited and high reflective functioning. The results show a significant difference between the clinical group and the normal group in capacity to mentalize. This correlates with results on the RSES, TAS-20 and the RF-Scale. The clinical groups’ lower scores on capacity to mentalize correlates with lower self-esteem, limited or moderate reflective functioning and higher scores on TAS-20, indicating a higher level of alexithymia. The results also suggest a connection between mentalization, attachment strategies and overall relational background in both groups. The results are compared with the results of previous studies and discussed in light of the theory on mentalization, attachment strategies, object relations and affect regulation.