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Bowlby's Attachment Theory

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Bowlby's Attachment Theory
“Attachment disorders: Assessment strategies and treatment approaches”, by Thomas G. O’Connor and Charles H. Zeanah, is an article that relates to this case study, in which I have attached.

Attachment Theory: “An Attachment is a reciprocal, enduring, emotional and physical affiliation between a child and a caregiver”[1].
The most recognised attachment theorist was a man called John Bowlby, a British Psychologist, Psychoanalyst and Psychiatrist famous for his work and fascination in child development and for his revolutionary and ground-breaking work in attachment theory. Attachment Theory has grown to be the main influential theory applied today in the study of child behaviour, mental health in toddlers, children’s treatments, and associated domains. It is described as an emotional bond and affectionate tie to another person. Bowlby believed that the bonds formed between the caregivers and a child has a huge impact throughout the child’s life. According to Bowlby, through an optimistic shared
…show more content…
• When a child looks out for a harmful and bad situation and reacts to good, happy or normal situations with challenging and confrontational behaviour and actions.
• He/She has a desire to spoil everything which provokes numbing and release from distress and anxiety.
• The outcomes of this challenging behaviour are punishments, reactions and effects therefore redirecting the focus on something else rather than the child’s original anxiety.

Sexual Abuse: Dervla was sexually abused by her mother boyfriend at the age nine. Rather than relying on the stability of social relationships, detached and abused children either distain human contact or worse come to loathe and fear these connections. Children of abuse like Dervla, experiences feelings of guilt and shame. They may experience long-term emotional and psychological problems and difficulties in forming relationships later in

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