3. Working with Children & Families Flashcards
What are some sociocultural factors you must take into consideration when formulating the case?
1) identity: race, culture, gender
2) relationships: family, friends
Describe systemic theory. (6)
- Relational problem, NOT the individual’s problem. Sees the problem in the contexts of the individual’s relationships.
- identify recurring themes (eg. mistrust, blaming)
- circular (rather than linear) assumptions about associations
- systems embedded within systems
- circumstances of the family
- cultural context: social GRAAACCEESS
- therapist is now part of the system
In systemic theory, what does systems embedded within systems imply?
- Implies that no one system should be priviledged over the other.
- microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, macrosystem, chronosystem
- Must consider whole spectrum and all components of the family. Even the perspectives of those who are not present in the room. (absent family members, friends, professionals)
What are some circumstances of the family we must consider?
1) SES
2) Migration
3) Parental separation
4) Blended families
5) Family life cycle (every TRANISITION of a stage has potential for more stress and problems)
6) Family culture (beliefs and traditions)
What are social GRAAACCEESS of the individual?
Gender, race, age, ability, appearance, class, culture, education, employment, sexuality, spirituality
What does it mean for systemic formulation when the therapist is not part of the system?
Therapist will bring their own beliefs and biases into the problem. Importance of reflective practice
How do you conceptualise the problem in a systemic way?
1) look for differences in perspectives
2) look for long term patterns of responding to these differences
3) current problems are solutions to past problems
(the current behavior may be ineffective and dangerous but it served a positive adaptive function in the past. it’s their coping mechanism)
What did John Bowlby propose about Attachment Theory?
Life is best organised as a series of daring ventures from a secure base
What are the 4 different kinds of attachment styles proposed in attachment theory?
1) Secure attachment
2) Anxious attachment
3) Avoidant attachment
4) Disorganised attachment
Describe secure attachment. (3)
- The child has a secure base, so it feels safe to explore.
- The child will move back to the secure base when it feels under threat.
- The child has positive expectations about the function of relationships for security and emotional soothing when distressed.
Describe anxious attachment. (4)
- caregiver is inconsistent and child is unsure of caregiver’s availability and when he/she would leave.
- constantly seeks comfort from caregiver in the form of clingy behavior
- sometimes appear more distressed than they feel in order to get the caregiver’s attention (“attention needing”)
- difficult to soothe as calming down might mean parent will leave
Describe avoidant attachment. (3)
- caregiver is rejecting
- minimize attachment behaviors in order not to get rejected
- act tough: ignore own emotions and not appear distressed or needing much attention from caregiver
Describe disorganised attachment.
- Caregiver is FRIGHTENING to the child (abusive, or mum is frightened from being abused by dad etc.)
- Triggers attachment system in the child. Child is hardwired to cling onto parent for security, but the more they cling the more frightening it becomes. Attachment relationship becomes disorganised.
- First example of a relationship is already a negative one. No idea what to do in other relationships.
- Child develop ways of coping: being controlling and demanding towards their parent as it is their only way of being close and safe.
What are the 2 ways the child learns to cope with disorganized attachment when he/she grows up?
1) Anxious approach to relationships
- coercive interactions (aggressive and controlling behaviors)
2) Avoidant approach
- self-reliant
- compliant
What kind of negative “internal working model” of the self and others can develop from disorganized attachment?
Core beliefs - “I am unloveable”, “others are frightening”
When a child brings their internal working model into relationships in the future, what concept is related to this?
Transference - indiviidual behaves in a way that put partner in am abusive role (counter transference)
How to encourage adaptive behaviors across home, school, and community settings?
Behavioral reinforcement systems
What are some possible systemic interventions?
1) psychoeducation for parents (eg. help them understand how attachment can result in current behaviors)
2) Collaboration with other professionals
What are the 2 kinds of parenting interventions?
1) Behavior-focused practices
2) Emotion-Focused practices