Attachment disorders Flashcards
what is the asocial stage of attachment?
0-6 weeks
Smiling and crying not directed at specific people
what is indiscriminate attachment?
6 weeks to 7 months
Attention sought from different individuals
what is specific attachment?
7-11 months
Strong attachment to one individual
Separation and stranger anxiety
what are the 4 main attachment styles?
secure
insecure avoidant
insecure ambivalent/resistant
disorganised
how does avoidant attachment present in adolsence?
Avoid intimacy, dependence, disclosure
Hard to engage
View relationships as unimportant
Don’t feel a huge need for other people
Seen as cold –reported as lacking empathy or remorse
Are indifferent to other’s views –assume others dislike them
Linked with higher incidence of somatising illness & hard drug use
how does ambivalent attachment present in adolesence?
Disruptive, ‘attention seeking’, difficult to manage
Insecure and coercive
Can alternate between friendly charm and hostile aggression
Display antisocial behaviour, impulsivity, poor concentration
Feel a growing sense of unfairness and injustice –lots of complaining
Dysregulated emotions
what is the definition of ‘secure base’?
The attachment figure/relationship provides a safe space (literally or symbolically) from which to explore the world
what is the definition of ‘safe haven’?
The attachment figure/relationship is a safe place (literally or symbolically) to retreat to at times of danger or anxiety
what is attunement?
Process between caregiver and infant in which they are able to ‘tune in’ to each other’s physical and emotional states
Through a process of co-regulation the infant learns to manage stress and anxiety
what are some symptoms of disordered attachment?
behavioural signs
cognitive functioning
emotional functioning
social functioning
physical aspects
what are some behavioural signs of disordered attachment?
Lack of self control/impulsiveness
Lack of normal fear
Self destructive behaviours
Destruction of property
Aggression towards others
Consistently irresponsible
Inappropriately demanding or clingy or has a pseudo maturity
what is poor cognitive functioning?
Lack of cause and effect thinking
Learning disorders
Language disorders
Distorted self image
Grandiose sense of self importance
‘Black and white’ and ‘All or nothing’ styles of thinking
what is poor emotional functioning?
Lack of affection
Intense displays of rage
Sadness, depression, helplessness
Inappropriate expressions of emotions
Mood swings
Low self esteem
what is poor social functioning?
Superficially engaging – lacks genuine trust, intimacy and affection
Lack of eye contact for closeness
Indiscriminately affectionate with strangers
Lack of peer relationships
Cannot tolerate limits and external control
Blames others for mistakes
Victimises others
Victimised by others
Lacks trust in others
Exploitative, bossy
what are some physical aspects of disordered attachment?
Poor hygiene
Chronic body tension
Accident prone
High pain tolerance/over reaction to minor injury
Tactilely defensive
