Exploration of Depression: A Critical Analysis of Attachment Strategies Simone M. Maschler Victorian University Word Count 1600 (excluding references) Abstract Currently attachment theory is widely used to understand adult interpersonal and intrapersonal relationships such as depression. According to this theory and substantial body of evidence pessimistic thinking originates from early childhood attachment strategies, and has a major role in depression. As an adult according to the theory, negative cognitive schemas originate from primed attachment style, which both within a contextual environment will activate and lead to a depressive episode. In reviewing this relationship, interventions and prevention in cognitive …show more content…
Sloman et al (2002) similarly found attachments’ could form a common vulnerability among those who were not securely attached; with being trapped in a low socially rewarding environment a precursor to depression. Simpson et al. (2007) research study is significant as it suggests childhood attachment affects adult social competence and perception in relation to pessimism. This longitudinal study is impressive in duration (conducted over 20 years) giving a comprehensive perspective. One confine of the study was that the life-history data was collected based on only one partner in each romantic relationship. Investigating romantic relationships accounting for early attachment of both partners would have illustrated a more comprehensive statement about depression and pessimism. Depression has been associated with pessimistic biases (Strunk and Adler, 2009) and Strunk and Adler (2009) used cognitive performance to test the assumption that depressed individuals have inaccurate, negative biases. Three cognitive tasks were used to measure biases; predicting future life events, predicting ratings of personal characteristics made by a significant other and predicting performance on a test reflecting IQ. Consistent with the cognitive model of depression, participants with ‘more depressive symptoms’ reported stronger pessimistic bias across all three tasks in contrast with the sample of ‘low depressive symptoms’ participants. Strunk and Adler
John Bowlby, the backbone of attachment theories will be discussed throughout this essay to explain and evaluate the key theories of attachment. Health and well-being which is made up of four factors ‘physical, intellectual, emotional and social ' (Jones, 2016), will also be discussed within the essay. The definition of attachment is ‘an act of attaching or the state of being attached. ' (Dictionary, 1400) This will be showed in the assignment, using theorists to analyse the meaning. Sharing the strengths and weaknesses in some theorists will help conclude this assignment.
An individual who has positive childhood experiences with attachment will have positive relationships as an adult (Brandman University, n.d.-a). Given that all I witnessed of this young lady was her having a good time then sitting quietly and being solitary and still, I would predict that she has secure attachments with her family. She did not appear distressed at any point during the twenty to thirty minutes that I observed her. None of her behavior seemed apart from the norm, and there were no distressing issues
Psychotic depression occurs when a depressive illness also includes hallucinations, delusions or the patient feeling removed from reality. Psychotic depression affects approximately one in four people admitted to the hospital for depression.
This essay will comprise, firstly, of past research looking into what attachment/ attachment theory is, focusing on Bowlby’s (1973) research into why an infant’s first attachment is so important. Followed, by the work of Ainsworth et al (1978) bringing to light the findings from the strange situation, and how the research can explain mental illness. From this and in-depth discussion looking at how the previously discussed pieces of research have an effect on two particular disorders, depression and anxiety; while keeping a holistic approach considering other variables within attachment theory which have been linked with the development of these disorders. Through-out, the implications of knowing about this potential link between attachment and mental health will also be discussed. Finally, a conclusion will be made to whether there is a strong link with attachment and mental illness.
Fraley (2002) completed a meta analysis of studies concerning attachment in order to investigate the level of attachment pattern’s continuity throughout life. The study indicated that there was a certain stability of the attachment pattern, and that the stability is independent of time. Even though it is theorized that a secure pattern will be likely to stay unchanged, it is still indicated that experiences such as bad relationships will be able to change the attachment pattern (Fraley,
In 1958, the Attachment theory came into existence. It was developed by John Bowlby on the notion that the quality of the parent -child relationship was essential for development and mental health (Howe, 2011, pg, 7). This thinking was in the context of distress shown by children when separated from their parents or when in unfamiliar surroundings. While having credit for the emergence of the attachment theory, Bowlby subsequently carried out a lot of research work with Mary Ainsworth concluding that children view their attachment figures as both a ?safe haven? to return to for comfort and protection and also a ?secure base? from which to explore their environment. The birth of children gives rise to the need to feel loved and wanted by caregivers, (Maclean and Harrison,2015 pg, 103), the absence of which might result in a range of behaviors to either
Attachment-based relationships stem from attachment behaviour, which is conceived as any form of behaviour that results in a person attempting, or retaining proximity to some other differentiated and preferred individual, who is usually perceived as stronger or wiser (Ainsworth, 1985). These relationships have a strong connection with the development, functioning, and well-being across the lifespan, in both parent-child relationships, and adult relationships. This essay sets out to display and prove the positive relationship between secure attachment relationships and positive development, well-being, and functioning, across the lifespan.
Participant’s attachment security was contextually primed through one of four conditions: recollect personal memories, reading a story, viewing a picture of supportive others, or subliminal exposure to proximity-related words. It was hypothesized that priming for attachment security would increase empathic responses when thinking of more positive self-models and lead to reduced personal distress. In regards to styles of attachment, it was hypothesized that anxiously-attached individuals would be less empathetic due to negative models of self while avoidant-attached individuals hold negative models of others. Mikulicer et al., (2001) research consisted of five studies all following similar
The Star.com. (November 3, 2014). Student help line finds 50 callers a month considering suicide. Retrieved March 7, 2015, from http://www.thestar.com/yourtoronto/education/2014/11/03/student_help_line_finds_50_callers_a_month_considering_suicide.html
An individual’s attachment style is conceived as a personality trait which is stable across the individual’s life span. Attachment is seen as a categorical model where individuals are either securely, avoidant or anxiously attached to others. Several studies have indicated how individuals treat attachment-related thoughts is related to their attachment style and governs how they cope with and express the loss of a loved one. When compared with secure and anxious attached adults, avoidant attachment style adults are less concerned with attachment to others. Anxious attachment style adults are worried about loss and will be hyper vigilant to relationship distress.
are happy when they achieve something or saddened when they fail a test or lose
Depression have become a major problem in our society today. People who haven’t experience depression will not understand how it feel and what it can do to a person. Many people also doesn’t understand what depression is, or how it can related to suicidal ideation. In fact, studies have documented that the majority of young suicide victims had depression at the time of death and most suicide survivors were diagnosed with symptoms of clinical depression at the time of their attempt (Mojs, Biederman, Głowacka, Strzelecki, Ziemska, Samborski 2015). It can affect anyone, from young adolescents to college students to the elderly people. There are many reasons that can make someone have major depression. Such as financial problems, family problems, social problems, school, work, etc. These stressors in our daily life can cause anxiety which can increase our stress level significantly, which then can lead to depression. A research said that anxiety disorder have a high comorbidity with depression and that anxiety occur prior to the onset of depressive disorders in many individuals (Batterham, Christensen, Calear 2013). People who experience depression must find way to cope with depression and know how to get help in order to prevent suicidal ideation. The people surroundings, friends and family, must also find ways to recognize the symptoms of depression, and show understandings in order to help those suffering. This research project will help people understand more about
This paper introduces a 35-year-old female who is exhibiting signs of sadness, lack of interest in daily activities and suicidal tendencies. She has no interest in hobbies, which have been very important to her in the past. Her lack of ambition and her suicidal tendencies are causing great concern for her family members. She is also exhibiting signs of hypersomnia, which will put her in dangerous situations if left untreated. The family has great concern about her leaving the hospital at this time, fearing that she may be a danger to herself. A treatment plan and ethical considerations will be discussed.
feelings can linger for years. Depression is a social disorder characterized by a depressed mood
The term depression is widely misused in today’s society. All human beings experience periods in life where they are sad for a relatively short period of time, which is considered normal. Those who experience sadness for extended periods may be suffering from depression. Two terms used to reference the classifications of depression, are Major Depressive Disorder, and Dysthymia. Individual diagnosis of these classifications is dependent on the length of time, and severity of symptoms experienced by the individual. The causes for these depressive states can be due to genetics or the insufficient production of neurotransmitters, which provide the brain with the data necessary to regulate one's psychological well being. Two examples