Attachment Theory Case Study Examples
Introduction
Modern attachment theory and self-psychology are important theories to consider when working with clients in a therapeutic environment. In the following sections “Ann” will be introduced and her situation will be examined in terms of modern attachment theory and self-psychology. Elements of trauma, disorganized attachment, neurobiology, and Kohutian framework will in discussed in relation to Ann’s symptomology, mental health diagnoses and current situation.
The Client Ann is a 28 year old, Caucasian female. She has a long history of trauma and mental illness. Ann has been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Dissociative Identity Disorder, Bi-Polar Depression, Anxiety and Panic Disorder. She is currently living
…show more content…
Attachment theory was introduced by John Bowlby and explains that the behavior and survival functions adults have were shaped by relationships with caregivers early in life (Schore & Schore, 2012). Modern attachment theory takes Bowlby’s attachment theory and includes contemporary knowledge of neurobiology. This knowledge incorporates stress, body based affective processes, interactive regulation and early experience dependent brain maturation to emphasize how attachment and developmental experiences affect the right brain (Schore & Schore, 2012). Ann’s father was not in the picture for her to form an attachment with, and her mother sexually abused her. Trauma Ann experienced from her caregivers as a child is thought to have led to the development of a disorganized attachment style that resulted in neurological changes in her …show more content…
When trauma is experienced from the care giver, the child has no one to go to for safety and, as a result, does not develop adaptive coping strategies (Badenoch, 2008). This can have detrimental effects on emotional regulation and interpersonal abilities (Charuvastra & Cloitre, 2008). Since Ann’s primary abuser was her mother, and the abuse was so severe, Ann would have formed a disorganized attachment with her mother as a child. Given the severity and long term nature of the abuse, this undoubtedly contributed her pathological symptoms later in
Bowlby Attachment Theory Analysis
1639 Words | 7 PagesI can personally relate to this idea because my cognitive, emotional, and social development was influenced by the intimate attachments I had with my parents; the people who responded to my needs with love. When I was seven years old, I ran straight to my mother after I tripped over and broke my arm. My mother comforted me and took me to the doctors, positively responding to my needs. This meant that I felt protected when my parents were within close proximity and I could take risks and explore my environment, allowing me to learn how to relate to others in society (Drewery & Claiborne, 2014). The attachment theory is relevant to my life because the intimate attachments I had with my parents have meant that I have had little cognitive, emotional, and social developmental difficulties, turning me into a secure individual who can function positively into society (McLeod,
Ainsworth: A Secure Attachment Analysis
110 Words | 1 PagesAinsworth’s descriptions of attachment were found to be related to relationship development. Specifically, adults with avoidant tendencies tend to be relatively uninterested in romantic relationships, have a higher breakup rate than secure adults (Shaver & Brennan, 1992), and grieve less after a breakup (Simpson, 1990). Anxious adults are obsessed with their romantic partners and form extreme jealousy (Collins, 1996; Hazan & Shaver, 1987). Relationships with a partner who has an anxious attachment have a higher rate for breakups as well.
Aileen Wuornos Attachment Theory
611 Words | 3 PagesThe Attachment Theory, for example, claims, "humans have the propensity to establish strong emotional bonds with others, and when individuals have some loss or emotional distress, they act out as a result of their loneliness and isolation". The emotional bond that connects the children and their caregiver are critical to the advancement of an internal working model. In Wuornos' case, granted her parents' abandonment and her grandparent’s sexual and physical abuse, she was incapable of forming a solid foundation of trust. It becomes more apparent following her disclosure of developing a sexual relationship with her older brother at a young
What Might Disrupt Attachment In Children
890 Words | 4 PagesThe study by Child Abuse and Neglect and the Brain—A Review Authors Danya Glaser First published: January 2000Full publication history DOI: 10.1111/1469-7610.00551, that the shows that injury can cause some terrible affects to the brain which in turn affects the attachment with the child and parent. Whole this damage of the brain can affect the physical ability to have secure attachment, issues relating to the cognitive ad emotions; behaviour of the child also comes into play. A child who has is unaware of the response from the carer giver will have unsecure attempt (reference text
Attachment Theory Case Study
856 Words | 4 PagesIntroduction The purpose of this discussion paper is to discuss a specific issue of the client, Laura, and the intervention model of Attachment Theory. Key features of the intervention model will be addressed, as well as the manner in which the model will be applied to a specific issue experienced by the client. Each of these aspects will be discussed in regards to their helpfulness in the intervention. Issue Statement
Comparing John Bowlby And Mary Ainsworth's Theories
307 Words | 2 PagesAlthough we are studying theories, some of them appear to explain human behavior and personality with certain accuracy. John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth theories of attachment can also explain what happens to people when attachment to their parents or caregivers is healthy or potential problems that could occur due to detachments. They suggest that individuals raised with secure attachments to their primary caregivers help them to feel secure; moreover, these children appear to be more socially skilled and less likely to experience major emotional disturbances. However, failure to form healthy attachments, especially mother-child, could serve as a descriptive mechanism for many negative psychological outcomes later in the life of an individual,
Reactive Attachment Thesis Statement
840 Words | 4 PagesSome children that have been grossly mistreated, neglected or abused fail to create secure attachments. Secure attachment is vital to the formation of the Childs sense of self and others that pave the way and sets up the course that guides the emotional and behavioral reactions that follow him through life (Hornor, 2008). It has been shown that failure to have positive experiences as well as abuse and neglect causes those memory systems to be filled with fear, mistrust and rejection (Mikic & Terradas, 2014). Since children with RAD learn at an early age not to trust their primary caregivers to attend to their needs, they learn how to fend for themselves which leads to many antisocial behaviors that continue into adulthood. Studies have shown that children with Reactive Attachment Disorder have neurological
Paul Bernardo's Application Of Attachment Theory
748 Words | 3 PagesWhat is the attachment theory? , The attachment theory is a
Ainsworth Attachment Theory
554 Words | 3 PagesBowlby, Harlow, and Ainsworth each had unique positions on infant attachment and adult relationships. All three researchers pointed out that children become attached or unattached depending on the amount and type of love and affection they receive from birth. Each had a different way of creating their study. Harlow used baby monkeys taken from their mothers and replacing mom with either a metal or a terry cloth covered mom.
Secure Attachment Essay
378 Words | 2 PagesAdolescents who lack a secure attachment relationship with their caregivers are at a greater risk for dysregulation of affect when experiencing trauma and the developing the symptoms of posttraumatic stress. Insecurely attached children and adolescents do not seek comfort in their caregivers so when exposed to trauma, their coping abilities are significantly hindered. When not able to seek protection and comfort in their caregivers, insecurely attached youth are more likely to be overwhelmed by stress; coping alone with limited resources may cause hyperarousal or disassociation (Perry, 2001). Likewise, an adolescent with a secure attachment can act as a layer of defense against the potential adverse effects of trauma (Finkelhor & Browne, 1984). A secure attachment also provides a safe a nurturing environment that enables the adolescent to process the traumatic events and become more equipped to return to a sense of safety and wellbeing- at least the same level experiences prior to the traumatic experience.
Essay On Attachment Theory
785 Words | 4 PagesSince the ‘50s, Bowlby worked alone and with distinguished colleagues such as psychoanalyst James Robertson, ethologist/zoologist Robert Hinde and psychologist Mary Ainsworth on several different studies. Bowlby suggested that due to the attachment between children and their carers, children suffer loss when they are separated. Bowlby’s study with the ethologist Robert Hinde, inspired the idea that certain attachment behaviours have evolved as a survival mechanism (Bergen, 2008). The core of the theory today is that the quality of close relationships affects personality, emotional and social development not only in childhood but throughout the life of the individual (Howe, 2001). This suggests that attachment theory is effectively a biological, psychological and social theory of human development.
Summary Of Dandelion On My Pillow Butcher Knife Beneath
1111 Words | 5 PagesNancy Thomas’ book Dandelion on My Pillow, Butcher Knife Beneath includes a portion written by a foster daughter named Beth who suffered from RAD (Reactive Attachment Disorder). Beth’s memories provide a unique perspective into the thought patterns of a child with RAD. She demonstrates that common symptoms of RAD begin as habits for coping with abuse. Children with RAD try to stay strong enough to control every situation and stay safe from abuse. Parents and teachers have to convince these children to give up their obstinacy, anger, and dishonesty in order to heal them.
Conceptual Framework Of Attachment Theory
1214 Words | 5 PagesThe paper mainly focuses on the conceptual framework of Attachment theory as well as attachment style of a client with Self-esteem issues that helps in the case formulation and treatment plan in Cognitive Behavioural Theory (CBT). Attachment style can be explained as an emotional connection of one person with another. The aim of this research study is to evaluate an association between attachment theory and cognitive behavioural approaches, explicitly pointing out similarities as well as differences between both. For the research analysis, qualitative research methodology has been selected for which distinctive previous researches, books and journal article resources has been examined as the gathered evidences are based on attachment theory
John Bowlby's Attachment Theory In Early Life
1020 Words | 5 PagesBowlby 's attachment theory had vast investigation done by Mary Ainsworth, who studied the interactions between mother and child, specifically, the theme of an infant’s investigation of their surroundings and the separation from their mother. This essay will focus on Bowlby’s attachment theory and Mary Ainsworth’s experiments and findings, discussing their views on the development and importance of attachment in early life. John Bowlby’s primary interest was in the relationship between child and mother or primary caregiver. Bowlby suspected that the earliest relationships formed by children and their primary parent or care giver, have huge impacts on the child’s later life. From this, Bowlby developed the attachment theory.
Attachment Styles Reflection
1156 Words | 5 PagesIntroduction At the beginning of our lives we are born to create a relationship with our love ones, it depends on our parent to provide us with love and warmth to develop a positive bounding relationship. The purpose of the paper is to reflect which attachment style was utilized by my parents during my childhood and which type of attachment style I identify more during my adulthood. The four types of attachment styles that will be discussed are avoidant attachment, secure attachment, disorganized attachment, and ambivalent attachment. This reflection paper will help me as a social worker by applying my knowledge to identify the type of attachment each individual or family has and better understand how I can help them with their issues that
More about Attachment Theory Case Study Examples
Bowlby Attachment Theory Analysis
1639 Words | 7 PagesAinsworth: A Secure Attachment Analysis
110 Words | 1 PagesAileen Wuornos Attachment Theory
611 Words | 3 PagesWhat Might Disrupt Attachment In Children
890 Words | 4 PagesAttachment Theory Case Study
856 Words | 4 PagesComparing John Bowlby And Mary Ainsworth's Theories
307 Words | 2 PagesReactive Attachment Thesis Statement
840 Words | 4 PagesPaul Bernardo's Application Of Attachment Theory
748 Words | 3 PagesAinsworth Attachment Theory
554 Words | 3 PagesSecure Attachment Essay
378 Words | 2 PagesEssay On Attachment Theory
785 Words | 4 PagesSummary Of Dandelion On My Pillow Butcher Knife Beneath
1111 Words | 5 PagesConceptual Framework Of Attachment Theory
1214 Words | 5 PagesJohn Bowlby's Attachment Theory In Early Life
1020 Words | 5 PagesAttachment Styles Reflection
1156 Words | 5 Pages