Running head: ATTACHMENT VERSUS DESTRUCTION

Attachment Theory and Disorders: Attachment versus Destruction

Columbia College / Child Welfare HUMS390

ATTACHMENT VERSUS DESTRUCTION

Abstract

ATTACHMENT VERSUS DESTRUCTION

Attachment Theory and Disorders: Attachment versus Destruction

How many children, adolescent, or young adult lives are you invested in? Every day we
hear of another horrific crime committed by a young adult or adolescent. They are often repeat
offenders who suffered a troubled childhood, sometimes with little or no stable relationship. It is
crucial for these young folks to have a solid and nurturing relationship with an adult who
genuinely cares about their wellbeing! Without this vital connection especially in their earliest
years, we are setting them up for stunted personal growth and a dysfunctional future. By
involving ourselves in the children around us and investing our time, love, and patience in their
lives, well help secure their successful and healthy future.
Origin
If we wish to prevent attachment disorders and the behaviors that it entails, we must first
understand the attachment theory. John Bowlby, a developmental psychology graduate from the
University of Cambridge, became interested in child psychiatry while volunteering at a school for
disturbed and unstable children (Bretherton, 1992). He then continued his education at the British
Psychoanalytic Institute where he furthered his career in medicine and psychiatry (Bretherton,
1992). It was here while working alongside other research psychoanalysts; he first came to his
hypothesis of parent-child relationship, specifically mother-child separation resulted in a troubled
childhood. With the help of James Robertson, they initiated a study involving children being
hospitalized or institutionalized and being separated from their parents (Bretherton, 1992). During
the next two-year period, they were able to take substantial video footage and collect extensive
data. Ultimately it was with these findings that he concluded that in order to thrive emotionally,
children need a close and continuous caregiving relationship (Bretherton,1992, p. 8) and thus the
attachment theory was born.

ATTACHMENT VERSUS DESTRUCTION

Continuum of Attachment
The attachment theory is divided into four classifications called the continuum of attachment
which ranges from healthy to disruptive. The secure attachment is a healthy balance. The child
may cry initially when separated from the caregiver, but rebounds shortly. They will feel
comfortable with intimacy and affection. The caregivers presence liberates them to move about
and explore which in turn, encourages their independence. A child experiencing an anxious
attachment may be clingy or resist physical touch entirely. They may be reluctant to connect or
bond with their caregiver. With a disorganized attachment, a child can be hostile while
unapologetic. And their inability to trust in their caregiver may result in defiance and retaliation.
The last on the continuum and most damaging is that of the nonattached. A child with this
attachment is severely troubled. Their inability to form any relationship fuels their excessive
narcissism while their lack of conscience allows for predatory behaviors (Crosson-Tower, 2012, p.
32).
Effective Treatments
There are several therapies in practice today for treatment of attachment disorders.
Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP) is commonly referred to as Play Therapy or
Theraplay. Therapists use the technique PACE (Playful, Accepting, Curious, and Empathetic)
and PLACE (Playful, Loving, Accepting, Curious, and Empathetic) to assist in the healing
between the caregiver and child (Becker-Weidman, 2006). The counselor begins with the
caregiver in a separate room, showing them how to be supportive and nurturing, focusing on
nonverbal methods. The counselor may then join both the caregiver and the child and will help
guide them through PACE and PLACE techniques (Becker-Weidman, 2006).
Another effective treatment for attachment disorder is parent training and family support,
sometimes referred to as the Circle of Serenity (Hoffman, Marvin, Cooper & Powell, 2006).

ATTACHMENT VERSUS DESTRUCTION

OConnor and Zeanah found that attending support groups helped adoptive and foster parents
prepare for feelings of confusion and rejection if animosity arises from the new addition to their
household.
Conclusion

ATTACHMENT VERSUS DESTRUCTION

References
Becker-Weidman, A. (2006). Treatment for children with trauma-attachment disorders: Dyadic
developmental psychotherapy. Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 23(2), 147-171.
doi: 10.1007/s10560-005-0039-0
Bretherton, I. (1992). The origins of attachment theory: John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth.
Developmental Psychology, 28(5), 759-775. doi:10.1037/0012-1649.28.5.759
Crosson-Tower, C. (2012). Exploring child welfare a practice perspective. (6th ed.). Upper
Saddle River: Pearson.
Hoffman, K. T., Marvin, R. S., Cooper, G., & Powell, B. (2006). Changing toddlers' and
preschoolers' attachment classifications: the circle of security intervention. Journal of
Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 74(6), 1017-1026. doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.74.6.1017
O'Connor, T. G., & Zeanah, C. H. (2003). Attachment disorders: Assessment strategies and
treatment approaches. Attachment & Human Development, 5(3), 223.