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Attachment Difficulties

Research and resources for children who have a history of early trauma or multiple placements.

Attachment refers to the emotional relationships we have with other people. It can be viewed as a continuum with healthy attachment at one end and attachment disorder at the other.

Children who have experienced maltreatment or traumatic separations may be hesitant to trust others sufficiently to attach quickly or easily, and may show signs of stressed attachment. Focused interventions can help children and families address attachment-related problems.

Association for Treatment and Training in the Attachment of Children
An international coalition of parents, professionals, and others working to increase awareness about attachment and its role in human development.

Children With Attachment Issues : How They View the World
Braley
Paradigm, 10(4), 2007
View Abstract
Explains how feelings of attachment form in young children and lists possible influences on attachment difficulties. The article provides strategies for treating co-occurring disorders, educating families, and developing a plan to re-parent children with attachment issues.

Creating and Repairing Attachments in Biological, Foster, and Adoptive Families
Levy & Orlans (2003)
In Attachment Processes in Couple and Family Therapy
View Abstract
Outlines the components of secure attachments between family members and identifies corrective processes that can help improve relationships and outcomes for children.

Perceptions of Attachment in Academia and the Child Welfare System: The Gap Between Research and Reality
Nilsen
Attachment and Human Development, 5(3), 2003
View Abstract
Explores the use of the concept of attachment disorder to explain any difficulties in adopted children's behavior, and the danger of teaching foster/adoptive parents that problem behavior is a result of early experiences and can not be modified.

	Related Information Gateway Topics Out-of-home care: Placement stability Child abuse & neglect: Attachment

Updated on July 2, 2008