Clinical Application of Attachment Theory Developing a Secure ….pptVIP

Creating a Secure Base: Understanding Attachment Theory University of Utah Summer Institute Summer 2003 Douglas Goldsmith, Ph.D. Executive Director The Children’s Center Attachment Emotional bond Behaviors promote proximity Motivational system to seek proximity Enhances feelings of security Motivates baby to take action when frightened Attachment “To say of a child (or older person) that he is attached to , or has an attachment to, someone means that he is strongly disposed to seek proximity to and contact with the that individual and to do so especially in certain specified conditions.” Bowlby (1988) Attachment in Action Anxiety provoking situation Exploration decreases Proximity seeking increases Infant regains security Exploratory system re-engages Attachment Behavior “Attachment behaviour is any form of behavior that results in a person attaining or maintaining proximity to some other clearly defined individual who is conceived as better able to cope with the world. It is most obvious whenever the person is frightened, fatigued, or sick, and is assuaged by comforting and caregiving.” Bowlby 1988 Circle of SecurityMarvin, Cooper, Hoffman Powell (2002) Child’s Exploratory System and Needs The child can move off and explore, if he believes and expects that the attachment figure will be available if, or when, needed Attachment System The child needs the attachment figure to be available to protect, comfort, delight, and organize his feelings when he becomes overwhelmed Attachment Classifications The strange situation Secure 65% Avoidant 20% Ambivalent 10% Disorganized 5-10% (80% maltreated) Attachment Classifications The strange situation Secure 65% Avoidant 20% Ambivalent 10% Disorganized 5-10% (80% maltreated) Secure (B) Uses mother as secure base Signs of missing mother Actively greets with smile or gesture Signals or seeks contact if upset Once comforted resumes exploration Solomon Geo