Abstract This study explores the psychological disorder known as reactive attachment disorder. This problem can occur when early childhood attachment patterns are chronically interrupted. The author describes factors that may contribute to this problem and the actual symptoms of the disorder. Finally, the author states that this study was initiated in order to develop a best practices handbook to increase the awareness of this condition and to provide a helpful approach for therapists when working with children who are or have experienced attachment issues. Includes charts and tables.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Significance of the Study
Limitations of the Project
Definition of Terms
Organization of the Project
Chapter Two
Review of the Research on Issues that are Relevant to the Study
Introduction
Attachment Theory and RAD
Diagnosis of Reactive Attachment Disorder
Implications of Reactive Attachment Disorder
Identifying Effective Treatment for Reactive Attachment Disorder
Synthesis of the Review of the Research
Chapter 3: Methodology
Introduction
CHAPTER 4: Product
CHAPTER 5: Conclusion
From the Paper " When early childhood attachment patterns are chronically interrupted, children may develop reactive attachment disorder; unfortunately, RAD remains a widely misunderstood and under-diagnosed disorder (Doggett, Renfro-Michel & Sheperis, 2003). While studies have shown time and again that some children who experience early disruptions in the attachment process are able to cope with such events, others appear to be unable to recover, such as with children suffering from reactive attachment disorder. The symptoms of RAD vary from child to child, of course, but studies have found that a lack of ability to give and receive affection, cruelty to others especially pets, abnormalities in eye contact and speech patterns, lying and stealing, lack of long-term friends, and extreme control problems are common (Flanagan, 1999). Complicating the problem for clinicians are the number of behavioral disorders that can manifest during these early years that may mimic the symptoms of reactive attachment disorder, and the diagnosis of RAD is made only when there are no other likely causes for the lack of social responsiveness, such as mental retardation (Flanagan, 1999)."
Abstract This paper studies infant attachment and examines the effect of the mother working outside of the home. The paper begins by discussing theories of infant attachment and its importance. Next the paper reviews the literature on infant-mother attachment and the factors that affect attachment. Then the paper concludes with an analysis of whether or not there is an impact of maternal employment on infant-mother attachment.
From the Paper "The bonding between an infant and the primary caregiver -- usually the mother -- is thought by many psychologists to be an important step for building future relationships and personality. Psychologists originally believed that attachment was..."
Abstract This paper reviews six sources of information regarding the father-child attachment. More specifically, the paper reviews six articles on father-child attachment examining the nature of the attachment bond and how it differs from mother-child attachment.
From the Paper "The purpose of this paper is to review six sources of information about child-father attachment. Each article is selected for the relevance of its findings to the question, "what is the nature of the attachment bond between father and child and does it differ from the nature of the attachment bond between mother and child?" Each article is first presented in APA format, its reason for selection and relevance to the topic is then discussed and possible sources for the answers to..."
Abstract This paper is an article review on children raised in institutions and how they develop attachment disorders. Research shows that institutionalized children are more apt to develop RAD and other attachment disorders. The purpose of the study is to determine if children in institutions compared with children in homes are more prone to have attachment disorders such as RAD.
From the Paper "Review of "Attachment in Institutionalized and Community Children in Romania "Children raised in institutions are at dramatically increased risk for a variety of social and behavioral problems, including disturbances of attachment" (Zeanah, Smyke, Koga, and Carlson, 2005, 1015). This subject is discussed in the article, "Attachment in Institutionalized and Community Children in Romania." Research previously shows children in institutions often have problems attaching to others including Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). Attachment can be described as the biologically rooted motivational system in children that begins to mature after the first year. It motivates children to seek comfort and support from their mothers or caregivers (Zeanah, 2000, 1). In a study in London during the 1960's of institutionalized children, it showed that eight of the twenty-six children were emotionally withdrawn and unresponsive. These children wanted attention regardless of who gave them attention."
Abstract The paper looks at an article by Janet Gonzalez-Mena that addresses different types of attachment styles in infants. The paper first analyzes and discusses aspects from her article, such as what occurs when the infant is or is not securely attached and then it moves on to look at the author's opinions of this article. The paper concludes that her article is truthful.
From the Paper "Multiple psychologists seem to agree that the behavior of the child is central to behavior of the adult that child will eventually become. Some psychologists, such as Sigmund Freud and Erik Erikson, spent much of their life publishing theories relating to the importance of childhood development upon adult development. As such, one key issue stems from infant attachment styles--either secure, insecure or basically devoid of any attachment at all. One article which addresses infant attachment styles with adults, entitled "A look at the attachment process," written by Janet Gonzalez-Mena, posits that it is central to positive growth in the child that they form secure attachments with responsive adults in their early existence. Gonzalez-Mena opens her article with an explanation of how infants, while getting their needs met (food, warmth, etc), create a relationship with the adults around them."
Abstract An extreme contrast can be observed between the bereaved Peter at the beginning of the film, "Finding Neverland", as opposed to the Peter who once again suffers loss at the end. The pattern of Peter's relationships conforms perfectly to John Bowlby's concepts of attachment, separation and loss. This paper analyzes the relationships of the main character, Peter, in the film "Finding Neverland", a story loosely based on the real life story of J.M. Barrie, the author of "Peter Pan". The analyses are based on John Bolwby's theories of attachment, separation, and loss.
Abstract The paper offers responses to four set questions, the first on Attachment theory and its implications, the second on infant studies involving visual attention and another on memory, en route to a fourth topic involving some of the foregoing. This last question discusses the digital age and its effects on child development, in educational settings and in terms of the impact of violent video games.
From the Paper "Psychoanalysts had assumed that the child's first human relationship was close to the foundation of the personality. In the first year of life, almost all infants have a strong tie to a mother-figure. (Bowlby: 1969:177) Bowlby and others given to the attachment theory worked with post-World War II generations in developed Western countries. They saw what happened in nature and could link attachment models to the young animal's need to attach to the mother in order to keep up with the herd."
Abstract Healthy early childhood development is highly dependent on some rather simple, yet profound variables. The first few feelings that an infant has are very basic instinctual attachments or bonding to his or her immediate environmental surroundings, including caregivers. Security is the primal most comforting feeling an infant has and if it is interrupted in these early often the result is an attachment disorder if not addressed properly. This particular case study is an exploration of child development during these early formative years.
From the Paper "While Jason's demeanor is generally good, he has a tendency to be withdrawn at times in different social situations. After his mother returned to work, his maternal grandmother had helped take care of him for approximately six months afterward. After that time Jason was introduced to a local day care facility with an excellent reputation. Initially Jason reacted quite negatively to the situation, crying for some time after being left and refusing to participate in any classroom activities, but eventually he could be left for the day without incident. However he continued to be withdrawn during playtime activities and had minimum of socialization with the other children."
Tags: child development, early childhood, parents social playtime, social activity, attachmentseperation
Abstract This paper examines how attachment might be assessed and whether it is useful. The paper explains that sensitivity, competence and a secure base are the three elements which seem to have a significant bearing on the demonstration and development of attachment. The paper also notes that the three things that make up the attachment relationship are sensitivity of the mother to the child and its needs, competency in completing the desires and needs of the child and providing a secure base for the child to cling to. The paper then points out that the origin of this "love" or "attachment" has only been studied by psychologists in the last 100 years, though humans have long speculated on its manifestations and irregularities in adolescents and adults. The paper concludes that it has already been determined that the attachment in the areas of fulfillment of needs is useful to the child in a physical way, but it is being assessed whether the attachment to the mother following infancy, determined by the mother's sensitivity to her child, is useful in other ways or not.
From the Paper "Attachment theory in psychology addresses the period of helplessness in infants and infants, during which there is a biological need for their mother's (or other caregiver's) protection and care. Attachment behaviors (such as approaching or not approaching a stranger, or smiling, or crying) at this age come from human evolution and provide an advantage for the child in the ability to survive through close proximity to the mother. It also has the benefit of increasing the many beneficial outcomes which the mother can provide. Attachment behavior is particularly noticed in times of stress, either within the child (hunger or pain) or from the environment (when the child meet with an unfamiliar person, or hears a loud noise). This noticeable attachment of mother and child peaks around the age of one, a time when the infant begins to walk and venture away from the mother."
Abstract The paper examines Bowlby's attachment theory and looks at the three periods of the development of the ideology of this theory. The paper then explores studies on adult attachment patterns and how they reflect infant-parent relationships. The paper concludes with a perspective against the ideology of the attachment theory.
Outline:
Introduction
History of Attachment Theory
Ideology of Attachment Theory
Practice Application of Attachment Theory
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "Attachment theory historically focused on the attachment between a child and its mother however, findings in Tuovila's work states that the attachment relationship between the child and father is one of great importance as well as the attachment relationship between child and mother. The work of Jessica L. Borealli and Daryn H. David (2004) entitled: "Imagination, Cognition and Personality" published in the Baywood Scholarly and Scientific Content journal examines the theory and research and their links on the relationships of attachment theory as well as structural cognition which is inclusive of "schemas and internal working models; aspects of the client-therapist relationship; and psychotherapeutic intervention models arguing that attachment theory can be employed to more fully understand psychotherapeutic processes and change." (Borelli and David, 2004)"
Abstract Attachment disorder has somewhat different forms in adults and children. In infants and young children, reactive attachment disorder is prevalent in those who do not have a parental figure that they can securely attach to for love and comfort. In order to thrive and develop normally, infants need a caregiver to help them regulate and handle emotion. In adults, attachment is more often viewed from an interpersonal relationship perspective and how that individual's early significant interpersonal relationships, particularly with their caregivers, have affected their relationships in adulthood. This research paper examines attachment disorders and how these ailments are treated in clinical practice.
From the Paper "Childhood adversity has been shown to be a determinant on secure adult attachment (Kessler & Mickelson, 1997). Specific childhood adversities are correlated with insecure adult attachment. Those who experienced serious interpersonal traumas such as physical abuse and/or neglect are more predestined to develop insecure attachment than those who were not. Parental psychopathologies, substance abuse, and financial adversity were also significantly related to insecure adult attachment. These adversities have their affects into adulthood because as a child, the person's trust in their parental figure is betrayed, and in turn damages the parent-child relationship."
Abstract This paper examines the theory of attachment, an idea the author describes as introducing new meanings to human relationship. The proposition that, to thrive emotionally, children need a close and continuous care-giving relationship required theoretical explanation. The author further analyzes Bowlby's approach to the concept of attachment. Although never satisfied with the theory of dependence, which focused on human relations progressing through fulfillment of basic needs, his methodical research manifested the theory of attachment, which highlighted the importance of care-giving and care-taking responses more than primary needs of hunger and sex.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Bowlby's Theory of Attachment Animal Behavior Studies
Bowlby's Analysis of Animal Studies.
Extension of Bowlby's Attachment Theory
Conclusions
From the Paper "According to attachment theory, attachment is not just an outcome of the need to satisfy various drives, like Sigmund Freud thought. For example, children are not just attached to their parents because they provide food; their attachment also involves behavior that is independent of their direct needs. Attachment theory assumes that humans are social beings; they do not just use other people to satisfy their drives. In this way, attachment theory is similar to object relations' theory (Grohol, 2005)."
Abstract This paper describes four basic adult attachment styles: the secure/autonomous style, the dismissing/avoidant style, the preoccupied style and the unclassifiable/disorganized style. The author stresses that early attachment styles are established in childhood through the infant-caregiver relationship. The paper relates that, regardless of the type of adult attachment style, communication is one critical item that will help people have lasting relationships. The author urges that persons not be labeled by their attachment style because they can re-train themselves to develop more positive behavior.
Table of Contents:
Defined
Secure / Autonomous Style
Dismissing / Avoidant Style
Preoccupied Style
Unclassifiable / Disorganized Style
Conclusion
From the Paper "As these children grow into adults, the effects are also positive. Children who are securely attached tend to have trusting, long-term relationships in their adulthood. As adults and being securely attached, these same individuals have a great understanding and perspective on important relationships in their lives. They demonstrate a forgiving attitude toward their mate and tend to show compassion for others. They tend to speak of how their past experiences have influenced their present feelings and relationships."
Abstract The paper discusses John Bowlby's attachment theory that suggests that the first attachment relationships which children form can affect their mental health for the rest of their lives, and that insecure attachments can be associated with anxiety, and lack of secure relationships in adult life. The paper provides a brief literature review and summarizes the main ideas of attachment theory. The paper concludes by pointing out that Bowlby's theories concentrate upon the mother as primary caregiver, but today this is not necessarily the case.
Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Results
Conclusions
From the Paper "Attachment theory is the theory of infant bonding, usually seen as that of bonding with the mother. Bowlby, who was educated as a psychoanalyst, and certainly regarded himself as one for the rest of his life ("Bowlby always considered himself a psychoanalyst and believed that his work was in keeping with the best psychoanalytic tradition" (Cortina and Marrone, 2003)) proposed this theory in a number of papers presented in London, and this received a lot of opposition from psychoanalysts of the time, especially as it seemed to diverge significantly from psychoanalysis, and instead was seen as a more behavioral model of child development (Cortina and Marrone, 2003). He himself confessed that the idea was unpalatable for him at first, but eventually he found that the evidence supported his theories, and he felt able to present them (Cortina and Marrone, 2003)."
Abstract This paper explores and contrasts theories of attachment from two theoretical orientations: the Object relations Theory and the Cognitive Learning Theory. The Cognitive perspective views the attachment as primarily biological and intellectual in nature, allowing personality traits and temperamental styles to affect attachment quality. The Object Relations Theory is primarily seen through rearing environments, and focuses primarily on social and emotional aspects.
From the Paper "Both authors discuss attachment, separation anxiety, and stranger anxiety, two contrasting approaches are used. Edward et al. (1981) focuses on the rearing environments and the primary relationship between mother and infant. The role of individuation relies upon the active role of the infant, and is mainly encouraged and reinforced through social interaction and feedback from parents. Additionally, Edward et al. (1981) does not consider biological factors in separation and stranger anxiety, rather attributes them to psychological and emotional factors, such as the attaining of basic trust. Conversely, Kagan (1984) although he acknowledges social and emotional aspects of the infant, he views attachment from a bio-cognitive approach, concentrating primarily on neurological development, cognitive processes, and inborn temperamental properties, despite the rearing environment. He believes that separation and stranger anxiety stem from the lack of brain and CNS maturation, leading to an inability to produce and maintain active memory. Lastly, Kagan (1984) suggested new concepts in his approach on attachment by critiquing the work of several research theories, and introducing some new interesting theories himself."
