Attachment and social determinants of mental health

Question 1

What is attachement and what is the impact on MH?

Answer 1

= relationship an infant develops with at least one parent

- positive secure attachment is considered pivotal for Childs successful social and emotional development 
- unhealthy attachment can impact negatively on individuals sense of self and is associated with anxiety, depression, difficulties 	with emotional regulation and healthy adult relationships 
- child abuse and neglect - damaging due to child’s vulnerability and their reliance on care giver

Question 2

What are the determinants of mental health protective factors?

Answer 2

Individual level

• positive sense of self
• good coping skills
• family attachment

Social level

• positive experience of early attachment
• supportive and caring family
• good communication skills
• sense of social belonging

Structural level

• safe and secure living environment
• employment
• economic security
• access to support services

Question 3

What are the risk factors of the determinants of mental health?

Answer 3

Individual level

• low self esteem
• low self efficacy
• poor coping skills

Social level

• abuse and violence
• separation and loss
• peer rejection
• social isolation

Structural level

• neighbourhood violence and crime
• poverty
• homelessness
• school failure

Question 4

Suggestions for the clinicians ?

Answer 4

• introduce yourself
• Thank the young person for making the time to speak to you
• Ask if you can find out a bit about them
• what is currently happening in their life that is troubling them?
• How is it affecting them.
• Explore activities, hobbies, interest, how these make a difference
• ask about supportive relationships in young persons life?

Question 5

What are the foundations of good mental health?

Answer 5

• interventions that promote and enhance early attachment, warm and affectionate parenting, a safe and secure home and informal sources of community support
• approval and support