The use and limitations of attachment theory in child psychotherapy (original) (raw)
Related papers
Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2011
Study of attachment in the 1970s and 1980s focused on operationalizing and validating many of the tenets of attachment theory articulated in Bowlby's landmark trilogy, Attachment and Loss (Bowlby, 1982, 1973, 1980), robustly underscoring the central role of child to parent attachment in the child's development and mental health. Attachment theory and its implications have long interested clinicians, though determining how best to translate complex theoretical constructs and research methods into the clinical arena has been challenging. Nevertheless, well-defined landmarks in early childhood attachment are clinically useful, and the emergence of interventions drawn from systematic research is promising. The purpose of this paper is to summarize salient issues from attachment theory and research and discuss how these issues inform clinical work with infants and young children. We recognize that there is a range of clinical settings in which child-parent attachment will be important. Likewise, among practitioners serving young children and their families, there is a broad range of familiarity with and expertise in attachment principles and attachmentbased treatment. We assert that all clinical services for young children and their families will be enhanced by providers' understanding of attachment theory and research. We further assert that in some clinical contexts understanding child-parent attachment is essential. We begin by reviewing developmental research on attachment to describe how attachments develop, how individual differences in selective attachments manifest, and the characteristics of clinical disorders of attachment. Next, we turn to assessment of attachment in clinical settings. Then, we describe selected specialized clinical contexts in which assessing attachments are uniquely important. Finally, we describe four interventions for young children and their families, all of which are closely derived from attachment theory, supported by rigorous evaluations, and designed to support directly the developing childparent relationship. Basics of attachment theory and research Defining attachment Bowlby defined attachment in young children as 'a strong disposition to seek proximity to and contact with a specific figure and to do so in certain situations, notably when frightened, tired or ill' (Bowlby 1969/1982, p. 371). In contemporary use, attachment refers to the infant's or young child's emotional connection to an adult caregiver-an attachment figure
Attachment and psychotherapy: Implications from empirical research
Canadian Psychology / Psychologie canadienne, 2018
In this paper, we provide an overview of Bowlby's theory of attachment, its revisions, and related constructs, and describe how attachment may underlie many of the processes of psychotherapy. Modern psychotherapy research, plagued by the omnipresent "dodo bird" that has consistently determined that most psychotherapy modalities appear to have similar levels of effectiveness, has moved towards attempting to understanding mechanisms of change underlying treatment outcomes. Delineating the ways in which attachment theory may form the foundation for psychotherapy processes may help answer the call for change mechanisms and common therapeutic factors. In this paper, we outline attachment theory as it applies to both children and adults, focusing specifically on its relevance for psychotherapy, followed by a review of the current empirical findings regarding the connection between attachment and psychotherapy. Finally, we highlight a series of existing psychotherapeutic modalities and techniques that are relevant for understanding the relationship between these domains and extend these examples to other forms of psychotherapy and psychotherapy process more broadly. Attachment provides a comprehensive yet parsimonious foundation for psychotherapy research and practice, with implications for enhancing treatments, personalizing care, and explaining the process of psychotherapeutic change.
Attachment and Developmental Psychopathology
Developmental Psychopathology, 2016
This chapter examines the conceptual and empirical contributions of attachment theory to the field of developmental psychopathology. It reviews the major elements and methods of attachment theory and research, and considers current evidence regarding a) the environmental and genetic determinants of attachment, b) short-and long-term continuity in attachment processes, c) the association between attachment and emerging psychopathology, d) candidate mediating mechanisms conveying risk, and d) the efficacy of attachment-focused interventions. We end with a consideration of the broader relevance of attachment theory for understanding the process and mechanisms of change in psychological therapies. We conclude that attachment represents a coherent and generally well-supported developmental construct, which is of great potential value as a framework for prevention and intervention. We also highlight several key outstanding issues and qualifications regarding the measurement of attachment, the scope and limits of its effects on children's outcomes, and unresolved scientific issues regarding causal mechanisms.
Child Maltreatment
Although the term attachment disorder is ambiguous, attachment therapies are increasingly used with children who are maltreated, particularly those in foster care or adoptive homes. Some children described as having attachment disorders show extreme disturbances. The needs of these children and their caretakers are real. How to meet their needs is less clear. A number of attachment-based treatment and parenting approaches purport to help children described as attachment disordered. Attachment therapy is a young and diverse field, and the benefits and risks of many treatments remain scientifically undetermined. Controversies have arisen about potentially harmful attachment therapy techniques used by a subset of attachment therapists. In this report, the Task Force reviews the controversy and makes recommendations for assessment, treatment, and practices. The report reflects American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children's (APSAC) position and also was endorsed by the Amer...
Although the terms 'attachment disorder' and 'attachment problems' do not have clear consensus definitions, therapies described as treating attachment problems and attachment related conditions are increasingly applied to maltreated children, particularly those in the foster care and adoption systems. Some maltreated children described as having attachment related conditions show genuine and occasionally extreme behavioral and relationship disturbances, and may be at-risk for adverse outcomes. The needs of these children and their caretakers are not imaginary. How to meet their needs is less clear. A number of attachment-based treatment and parenting approaches have been developed that purport to help children described as attachment disordered. Attachment therapy is a young and diverse field, and the benefits and risks of various attachment related treatments remain scientifically undetermined. Controversies have arisen over a particular subset of potentially harmful attachment therapy techniques developed by a subset of attachment therapy practitioners. In this report, the Task Force of the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC) will review the controversy and make recommendations for indicated and contraindicated assessment, treatment and professional practices related to attachment problems in maltreated children. This Task Force Report and recommendations were approved by the APSAC Board of Directors and reflect the position of the organization.
A review of attachment‐based parenting interventions: Recent advances and future considerations
Australian Journal of Psychology, 2019
Research evidence has shown that in childhood, a secure attachment to a reliable caregiver is important for future mental health and well-being. The theoretical and research basis for attachment theory continues to grow. As attachment theory has become more widely adopted there are challenges and opportunities both theoretically and in terms of its clinical use. Disordered attachment has been linked to psychopathology including internalising and externalising disorders. However, there are ongoing implications for researchers and clinicians as only the most extreme forms of attachment disorders are included in the current diagnostic systems. A wide range of reliable and validated observational assessments to classify attachment are available. Owing to the growing popularity of attachment-based interventions there is a need to develop assessments which are practical for use in clinical settings. The use of attachment-based parenting interventions in clinical settings is increasing as they have been found to be effective and relevant. This growth presents opportunities to further refine these interventions, so they are easy to deliver in clinical practice and tailored to different populations. Attachment-based interventions are being widely used in Australia, and this has led to a need to understand and adapt the theory, assessments, and interventions to this context. Attachment-based interventions demonstrate the importance of relationships and provide an important tool to support children and families. For psychologists here in Australia there are many opportunities to develop measures and interventions based on attachment theory that fit into the Australia context.
The Relevance of Attachment Theory for Psychotherapy
2017
12:30-13:30 Lunch Break (on your own) ISIPT Members Lunch*-Mentoring Launch Ballroom A special opportunity to meet with expert IPT researchers and clinicians…or simply to network with friends and colleagues. Topic-oriented mentoring tables will focus on themes such as adolescent depression, group IPT, peripartum mood disorders, organizing and conducting IPT training, IPSRT, brief interventions/IPC, etc.Sign-up sheets for the mentoring tables will be available at the Registration Desk.