Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
ATTACHMENT MODEL
The Making & Breaking of Affectionate Bonds.
INTRODUCTION
Bowlby,J ( 1979) in his work The Making and Breaking of Affectionate Bonds outlines
some of the main theories and concepts which inform the use of the Attachment Model.
This explores some theories of attachment which are relevant in general therapy,
bereavement issues and in family and relationship work. Bowlbys work was based
both on Ethological Theory ( the importance of biological and instinctive roots ) and on
research of orphaned children and their disposition to form attachments. His ideas
arise out of Object Relations Theory and deal with how we relate and get attached to
objects (often significant people) and the ways that we react to loss or separation.
This brief note will examine some of the concepts and ideas of the Attachment Model
and relate these to helping Individuals, families and particularly couples.
ATTACHMENT BEHAVIOUR
Bowlby maintains , as do others like Rutter(1981) and Schaffer & Emerson (1954) , that
the seeking and maintaining of proximity to others is a normal activity or impulse for all
primates. This impulse may also apply to inanimate objects. Consequently, we can
define attachment behaviour as one that results in a person attaining or maintaining
closeness to some other individual who is conceived or perceived as better able to
cope with the world. This is further clarified by the following characteristics of
Attachment.
Characteristics of Attachment
of attachment:
Secure Base - The attachment figure(s) provides a secure base from which the child
can explore the surrounding environment
Maintain Proximity This is a desire to remain/maintain being near our Secure Base
we are attached to.
Safe Haven - This is the tendency/need to return to the attachment figure(s) for
comfort and safety in the face of any fear or threat.
Separation Distress - The absence of the Attachment Figure ( for children this is
normally a parent / caregiver) Anxiety occurs and in extreme cases can lead to
complications in later life with consequential problematic Attachment Styles.
Email petercreagh43@virginmedia.com
Maintain
Proximity
A
Secure
Base
Safe
Haven
ATTACHMENT
4 Characteristics
Separation
Distress
The attachment figure is one who provides closeness and reassurance, particularly in
times of anxiety. The task of primary care givers ( normally the parents ) is to help the
child in the ( early ) years to accept longer periods of separation. This is in order that
he/she will grow up to be happy in forming close relationships and become both
independent and confident as an individual. In early childhood substitute attachment
Email petercreagh43@virginmedia.com
Consequently, their children develop into little adults who try to take care of
themselves. They tend to emotionally distance themselves and display /convey a
message of I do not need anyone else, I am self-contained and self-sufficient. They
have the tendency to form and display an Avoidant Attachment trait.
Email petercreagh43@virginmedia.com
The above behaviours can be particularly significant and helpful when examining both
family dynamics , relationships between parents and children and the couple
relationship.
After separating from parents during adolescence, most people choose a new
attachment figure as an adult. In these relationships they attempt to balance the needs
of intimacy and independence, depending upon their previous experiences. Further
aspects will now be examined.
Peter Creagh (2105)
Bowlby.doc 2015
Email petercreagh43@virginmedia.com
EVENT
NORMAL LIFE
SHOCK
ACCEPTANCE
DENIAL
ANQUISH
ANGER
YEARNING
RESOLUTION
DEPRESSION
DESPAIR
Email petercreagh43@virginmedia.com
Delay/Denial
Avoidance
Suppression
Severe detachment from primary caregiver in early life ( death, separation etc)
Email petercreagh43@virginmedia.com
Model security in the whole process of the sessions and the therapeutic contract.
FINAL NOTE
Remember that there are often shared attachment problems within a close
relationship ( such as a couple or parent ; child etc.. possibly one is anxiously attached and the other is
ambivalent / disorganised/avoidant
BIBLIOGRAPHY :
Bowlby, J ( 1988)
Bowlby,J ( 1979)
ButlerC & Joyce, V
Laverack & Laverack
( 1994)
A Secure Base
The Making & Breaking of Affectionate Bonds
Counselling Couples in Relationships
The Essential Red Guide to Couple Relationship
Counselling Theory
Routledge, London
Tavistock, London
Wiley, New York
Perceptions
Email petercreagh43@virginmedia.com