Attachment Theory to a Case Study

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1 Application of Attachment Theory to a Case Study Shalanda J. Pinder Master of Social Work, Walden University SOCW 6060: Social Work Theory & Clinical Practice Dr. Rod Jones December 17, 2023

2 Attachment Theory In psychology, attachment theory explains how individuals form emotional bonds with others that influence their development and general well-being (Bowlby, 1969). It further states that attachment is a weaker person's emotional connection with a stronger one (Turner, 2017). One will hierarchically arrange attachment relationships as a child, with the mother often being the preferred attachment. According to Turner (2017), there are three attachment styles: insecure- ambivalent, secure, and insecure-avoidant. Ella is a (16) year old Caucasian White female who identifies as Bi-Sexual. She is currently homeless and has issues in her family with physical, mental, emotional, and alcohol abuse. The negative behavior occurring in Ella's home was the result of her becoming a homeless teen who had to present problems such as stealing, trespassing, and not going to school. As a result, Ella begins to act out and become involved in risky acts, which lead to her getting an STD. Despite feeling betrayed by her mother, Ella wants to return home but fears her mother would disagree with her sexuality. Because of her family dynamics, Ella has internalized the idea that all relationships should exist without attachment. To grow into healthy adults, people need to have supportive interactions with one or more caregivers (Turner, 2017). It is assumed that certain behaviors, such as the need for closeness with the attachment figure under stressful or dangerous situations, are indicative of attachment in both children and adults (Bowlby, 1969). In Ella's presenting problem, due to her lack of trust in her mother and her dad's alcohol addiction, there are no positive attachments within her relationships. According to Mikulincer and Shaver (2003), the attachment behavioral system is concerned with a person's propensity to seek security during

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