The Journal Article : Linking Lack Of Care

Attachment is commonly defined as an emotional bond that connects two people (Ma, 2006; McLeod, 2009). ADD. Attachment theory offers a developmental model for conceptualizing emotional distress and symptomatic behavior as an adaptive response to emotion insecurity in parent-child relationships. Recent developments reveal empirically supported data in the application of attachment based family therapy to the treatment of family distress, such as that experienced in the event of

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,

The AAI classifies adult attachment in three main classifications: Secure-Autonomous (F), Insecure Dismissing (Ds), and Insecure-Preoccupied (E) (IJzendoorn & Bakermans, 2010). In this case, Ms. Johnson was classified in the Insecure-Preoccupied (E) attachment category; however, further assessment is needed. Adults in this category often highlight the negative impact of her attachment experiences, but still demonstrate constant preoccupation with her relationships (IJzendoorn & Bakermans, 2010). In addition, adults with high attachment anxiety have fear of rejection, abandonment, and obsessive needs for emotional dependence. For example, Ms. Johnson reported that she experienced several long-term abusive relationships. Individuals scoring high

Three predominant styles of attachment, secure, insecure-anxious and insecure-avoidant reflect expectations about the reliability and availability of attachment figures (Hazan & Shaver, 1987). Individuals who portray secure attachment styles tend to value relationships that provide trust, comfort, and availability. In contrast, individuals with insecure-avoidant or insecure-anxious styles of attachment have difficulty recognizing, acknowledging, and/or valuing secure-based relationships. Avoidant individuals experience discomfort when becoming close with others. In contrast, insecure-anxious individuals report relationships as a threat,

The formation of attachment begins at birth with the child forming some type or form of attachment with their parents or primary caregiver. Hopefully, the child is able to form a proper or secure attachment with their parent or primary caregivers because the attachment formed between the parents or primary caregiver acts the foundation for how well the child will be able to form attachments with others outside the immediate family (Gullone, Ollendick, King,2006).This is because the type or level of attachment the child was able to form with his or her parent generally predicts the type or level of attachment the child will form with others outside their intermediate family. However, as the individual interacts with the outside world more and

Attachment disruptions occur with adults in relationships, however, they can have roots in childhood experiences. Attachment is vital to social and emotional growth in early developmental years (Zeanah & Smyke, 2008). Attachment disorders were a part of the third Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III; American Psychiatric Association, 1980). Reactive Attachment Disorder with two subtypes, RAD and disinhibited social engagement disorder is still included in the DSM V (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). An increased risk for anxiety disorders, substance abuse and personality disorders has been demonstrated for children exhibiting insecure attachments, primarily

Attachment is an integral part of the human condition, through it bonds are created between child and caregiver and these bond help contribute to a developing person’s sense of self and the world around them. These feeling of connection carry over from parent, to child, to later life from the person to their partner and then their own children. Attachment theory grew out of the understanding that young children in their early fragile stages of development require protection and security to increase their chance of survival, protection is present in the form of the parents from whom physical and a psychological sense of security comes. The infant sees their parents as a protector and a secure base through which they can always turn to in moments of stress when experiencing the world (Browne & Shlosberg, 2006).

Scientist wanted to know how adolescents function and see if there is any similarity with one another. Those with secure attachment relationship scored high on emotional intelligence and protective resources (Thompson, 2008). The purpose of having an attachment relationship is for the adolescents to deal with emotions and social relationships in general. With no attachment it becomes more complicated for the adolescents to process and handle their problems. The adolescents were tested to see what kind of attachment style they have and where their emotional intelligence (Petrides, Sangareau, Furnham, & Frederickson,

The attachment theory of Bowlby (1980) helps to explain human bonding, conceptualize attachment, and proximity seeking. According to Lee and Hankin (2009) comfort received from caregiver reassure a child that at the time of distress caregiver will be with them. Furthermore, Lee and Hankin (2009) explains that the attachment within infant-caregiver is regarded as a basis for future relation dynamics of a child. Child, who is having anxious attachment are having difficulty to take caregiver as a secure person and they are characterized as anxious person (Lee & Hankin, 2009). Hamilton (2000) explained about a 12-year longitudinal study that found infant attachment style helps to predict attachment style in adolescence. In addition, a meta-analysis

There are three types of insecure attachment; Dismissing/avoidant attachment- an insecure attachment category, associated with experiences of rejection, Preoccupied/ ambivalent attachment- an insecure attachment category, this category is associated being overly tuned to their experiences due to parent’s inconsistency in discipline and shows of affection. And Anxious/ Fearful attachment- another insecure category associated with extreme fear usually related to a parent’s death (Santrock 2010) & (McNally, Palfai, Levine and Moore 2003). Over the past decade many researchers have studied the role of secure and insecure attachments. It is believed that secure attachments to parents in adolescent’s leads to higher self-esteem and social adjustments in adulthood, securely attached adolescents have a lower chance of being involved in problem behaviours and drug and alcohol abuse as they get older, where insecure attachments lead to an increase in depression and problem behaviours (Santrock). Studies have shown that individuals with different attachments viewed themselves and others in either positive or negative way. Secure individuals view themselves as relatively unstressed (positive) and others as supportive (positive), Insecure/fearful individuals view themselves as distressed (negative) and others as supportive (positive) and insecure/ dismissive, preoccupied

Attachment is a strong emotional connection between two people, often a bond between a child and caregiver. Since Bowlby’s (1969) theory, describing the importance of developing an attachment for successful emotional and social development, other researchers have theorised that not forming attachments affects individuals, including their possible development of mental health issues.

Attachment style is a profound effect not only on our emotional development, but also upon the health of our relationships. A child forms a strong emotional bond with caregivers during childhood with lifelong consequences. It is important to be aware of attachment during infancy and early childhood in order to raise secure, independent and empathetic children. A secure, trusting attachment to parents during childhood forms the basis for secure relationships and independence as adults. It affects everything from our partner selection to how well our relationships progress to, sadly, how they end. That is why recognizing our attachment pattern can help us understand our strengths and vulnerabilities in a relationship. An attachment pattern is

One of these attachment styles was suggested to account for the majority of children and was depicted as a secure attachment style (Ainsworth, 1971, 1978). Secure attachment was suggested to account for 70% of the children, and consisted of traits that the child signified during the experiment, such as, responding with positively when their primary caregiver returned to them after a period of separation, despite the child signifying distress when the primary caregiver was absent (Ainsworth, 1971, 1978).The second type of attachment style Ainsworth (1971, 1978) established was an insecure attachment style; however, this was separated into two categories: anxious and avoidant. Whilst children who were categorised as having an anxious attachment style were suggested to account for 15% of children, and signified ambivalent behaviour towards their primary caregiver when they reunited with them, children who were suggested to have an avoidant attachment style accounted for 15% of children and avoided proximity or interaction with the primary caregiver on reunion Ainsworth (1971,

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.