Coupled Attachment Defense Under Multi-Stressor Conditions: A Dynamic State-Shift Case Study Using a 48-State Interaction Framework

This working paper presents a longitudinal qualitative case study examining how a previously stable adult attachment pattern transitioned into an avoidant-defensive configuration under compounded real-life stressors. Using a 48-state interaction framework, the paper analyzes how relational dynamics, cognitive load, health-related threats, caregiving pressure, occupational overload, and prior trauma disclosure jointly contributed to observable state shifts in intimacy, communication, and affect regulation. The study aims to demonstrate methodological applicability and to illustrate one defensive state cluster within the broader 48-state system, rather than to claim causal generalisation.