The Application of the Theory of Attachment
The Application of the Theory of Attachment
Many psychologists have come and gone, and many different theoretical orientations have been developed. With each orientation has come a new perspective on development, behaviour and mental processes. Some are similar, yet others could not be more contradictory. Attachment is one such theoretical orientation, developed by John Bowlby out of his dissatisfaction with other existing theories. Although Bowlby rejected psychoanalytical explanations for early infant bonds, the theory of attachment was influenced in part by the principles of psychoanalysis; in particular the observations by Ana Freud and Dorothy Burlingham of young children separated from familiar caregivers during World War II. This influence has resulted in some minor similarities between the two orientations (Bretherton, 1992). The focus of attachment theory is long-term relationships between humans. Its most important tenet is that in order for healthy social, cognitive and emotional development to occur, an infant needs to be able to form a strong, reliable bond with at least one primary caregiver. Thus, this theory provides a perspective on how different relationships between infants and their caregivers affect development. This paper is an attempt to apply attachment theory to a case who I first met when he was referred to me for therapy. Over the limited number of sessions that we have had together, he has revealed many issues that have roots in his relationships with those around him. Many of these problems are, in my opinion, related to attachment or lack thereof. The following is an analysis of his thoughts, actions and behaviours as explained by the theory of attachment. For the purpose of this paper he will be called Jay. Jay is a seventeen year-old male who is currently in 10th grade. My first meeting with Jay was during the second Quit Group that I was holding for TUPE (Tobacco Use Prevention
Many psychologists have come and gone, and many different theoretical orientations have been developed. With each orientation has come a new perspective on development, behaviour and mental processes. Some are similar, yet others could not be more contradictory. Attachment is one such theoretical orientation, developed by John Bowlby out of his dissatisfaction with other existing theories. Although Bowlby rejected psychoanalytical explanations for early infant bonds, the theory of attachment was influenced in part by the principles of psychoanalysis; in particular the observations by Ana Freud and Dorothy Burlingham of young children separated from familiar caregivers during World War II. This influence has resulted in some minor similarities between the two orientations (Bretherton, 1992). The focus of attachment theory is long-term relationships between humans. Its most important tenet is that in order for healthy social, cognitive and emotional development to occur, an infant needs to be able to form a strong, reliable bond with at least one primary caregiver. Thus, this theory provides a perspective on how different relationships between infants and their caregivers affect development. This paper is an attempt to apply attachment theory to a case who I first met when he was referred to me for therapy. Over the limited number of sessions that we have had together, he has revealed many issues that have roots in his relationships with those around him. Many of these problems are, in my opinion, related to attachment or lack thereof. The following is an analysis of his thoughts, actions and behaviours as explained by the theory of attachment. For the purpose of this paper he will be called Jay. Jay is a seventeen year-old male who is currently in 10th grade. My first meeting with Jay was during the second Quit Group that I was holding for TUPE (Tobacco Use Prevention
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