Ptg's Positive Influence On Adolescents

(Finnegan et al., 1996) the 'specific linkage theory recommends that there are subjectively formative pathways from avoidant and conflicted connections which relate to unpredictable consequences in adolescents behaviour as a result. This supports the critical and unremitting sense for a need to associate with their care giving figure that allows a young person to distance themselves in order to keep these coping styles in place, as young people start to realise that inner-emotional state do not coincide with the outer expression they chose to give.

The importance of a healthy attachment in early childhood development can lead to a better adult development and skills for daily life. A secure and healthy attachment to the caregiver in infancy to adolescence showcases the importance of building strong relationships and coping skills during periods of stress and anxiety. The research that has been found, goes into detail about the different types of attachments that infants and children can develop as well as what negative and positive aspects come along with the attachments.

Trauma is perceived as a physical or psychological threat or assault to a person’s physical integrity, sense of self, safety and/or survival or to the physical safety of a significant other; family member, friend, partner. (Kilpatrick, Saunders, and Smith, 2003). An adolescent may experience trauma from a variety of experiences, including but not limited to: abuse (sexual, physical, and/or emotional); neglect; abandonment; bullying; exposure to domestic violence and/ or community violence; natural disasters; medical procedures; loss/grief due to a death of a family member(s); surgery; accidents or serious illness; and war (Kilpatrick, Saunders, and Smith, 2003).

Last but not least Foster Children run the risk of being exposed to anxious or ambivalent attachment styles due to the

The impact that trauma has on relationships are demonstrated by all children who have been affected by trauma and continues through their life cycle. While with therapy and support these children and young adults can have positive outcomes, most children who have been affected by trauma go on to have relationship issues with many types of relationships in their life (Doyle, 2012). The main presenting impact for this child or young adults is the lack of trust. Trust is an emotion that needs to be part of any healthy relationship. As those who have had trauma in their life their trust of other with reason is not always present. Children find it hard to receive and give love out and this can affect all times of relationships, with friends, and intimate parents and caregivers. They become untrusting and are not sure what is expected of them in return. One of

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.

Attachment theory is rooted in the biological concept that children seek proximity to their parents or caregivers as a mean to survive stressful or dangerous situation. Interaction between children and their care givers are integrated into representational or internal working models that guide children understanding of current and future relationships, including expectations regarding the trustworthiness and predictability of others. Attachment security is fostered when children trust that their care-givers are accessible and capable of responding to their needs and safety. Parental divorce is a stressful time that may initiate different changes.

going from an abuse home to being placed in a loving caring home), (D’Andrea, Ford, Stolbach, Spinazzola, & Van der Kolk, 2012). Trauma can also put children/adolescents at risk for impulsive behavior such substance or alcohol abuse, increased sexual behavior, aggression and self-harm (D’Andrea, Ford, Stolbach, Spinazzola, & Van der Kolk, 2012). Children affected by trauma may also experience eating disorders, anxiety, depression, anger or withdrawal issues (D’Andrea, Ford, Stolbach, Spinazzola, & Van der Kolk, 2012). They may also experience memory issues, regression, trouble with problem solving, sleeping trouble, lack of self-esteem, self-worth, poor body image nutritional and physical health problems (D’Andrea, Ford, Stolbach, Spinazzola, & Van der Kolk, 2012). They may experience self-loathing, attention deficits, homelessness, as well as show lack of emotion and inappropriate social behavior. (D’Andrea, Ford, Stolbach, Spinazzola, & Van der Kolk, 2012) Additionally children and adolescents exposed to trauma can have educational delays, self-pity, self-blame, engage in destructive behaviors (i.e. stealing, or property damage), they may experience trust or abandonment issues, (Brown,

Attachment refers to the bond and the lasting relationships that young children form with one or more adults. It relates specifically to the child’s sense of security and safety when in the company of an adult. Children require a relationship with a caregiver who is sensitive and receptive, who comforts the child when upset and allows them to feel safe enough to play and learn. This is the basis of a secure attachment. Children who are strongly attached have higher self-esteem, empathy and can deal with stress more effectively. Securely attached adolescents are less probable to engage in excessive drinking, drug use, and risky sexual behaviours. They are also expected to have fewer mental health problems.

An infant with a secure attachment style has a natural bond with their parent, where they are able to trust them, at the same time leaving their side to discover and explore their surroundings. In an insecure/resistant attachment the relationship the child has with their mother or caregiver is very clingy, thus making them very upset once the caregiver is away. When the mother or caregiver is back they are not easily comforted and resist their effort in comforting them. In an insecure/avoidant attachment the infant is, “indifferent and seems to avoid the mother, they are as easily comforted by a stranger, as by their parent” (Siegler 2011, p.429). Lastly, the disorganized/disoriented attachment is another insecure attachment style in which the infant has no way of coping with stress making their behavior confusing or contradictory. Through these brief descriptions of the attachment theory, many researchers have defined the turning point in which each attachment definition can have an influence on one’s self esteem, well-being and their marital relationship.

In the psychology of development, clinical application of the development of children who have suffered trauma is important. The clinical application helps in understanding the roles of new attachment and problems in bonding during the early life of a child. The use of new theoretical perspectives on attachment proposes that a CYC staff should identify the causes of behavioral attachment. A model to best utilize the clinical processes treats all the attachment disturbances such as no attachment, disrupted attachment, and anxious attachment. In the case of the 14-year-old girl, having a developmental plan will help diagnose if there are any problems that have been caused by the trauma as well as expose any other therapeutic complexities that

strong attachment dysfunction. Recruiting for this study will involve school social workers and local agencies who work with children and adolescents.

In closing, it is amazing how traumatic experiences impact the brain and behavior of an individual. In my client’s situation, abuse and trauma were primary issues in her early development. I felt her traumatic experience and bullying caused her to have low self-esteem. She expressed that it was hard for her to form positive relationships with the opposite sex. Change does not happen overnight and it based upon the willingness and motivation of the client. I find that instead of placing judgment on teens, adults should educate their self about this population and find ways to understand their experiences and work together to develop solutions. Clients look to clinicians for emotional dependency and nurturance that was missing in their life.

The Secure attachment are when children or adults are open to explore their surroundings and relationships. People tend to be open, collaborative, committed, compliant, trusting of therapists, and able to integrate their therapist’s comments (Levy, Ellison, Scott, & Bernecker, 2011). Children form an emotional attachment to an adult who is attuned to them, who is sensitive and responsive in their interactions with adults. During the second year, the child begins to use this adult as a secure base from which to explore the world and become more independent. Secure attachment has been linked with positive development outcome for children in many areas (Siegel, 2014). Children are emotionally attuned, and have consistent continent communication with their parents or caregivers (Siegel, 2014).

Have you ever thought of the type of attachment established with your parents at a young age, to be similar to the attachment currently experienced with people? And knowing that whatever attachment type you formed accounts for the levels of self-esteem you possess? Attachment is characterized by specific behaviors in children, such as seeking proximity with the attachment figure when upset or threatened (Bowlby, 1969). According to research, over 50% of the population are secure attachment types