A Qualitative Exploration of the Use of Attachment Theory in Adult Psychological Therapy

Abstract

Attachment theory may have implications for practice across a range of different types of therapy and may help therapists to bridge apparent differences between modality-specific formulation and techniques. Attachment theory can be used to understand the development of mental health problems. Therapists should assess and formulate clients' attachment styles, and these formulations should guide therapeutic approaches. Attachment theory provides a comprehensive framework for facilitating the therapist's attentiveness to relational issues and use of the therapeutic relationship as a fulcrum for change. The principles of attachment theory can be used to inform all stages of the therapeutic process, as well as the design and delivery of mental health services.

The Relationship Between Attachment Styles, Self-Monitoring and Cybercrime in Social Network Users

“…The secure attachment style is a good predictor of mental health (3). This style creates trust in interpersonal relationships and can shape normal social relationships (5). These people have mental health, are less aggressive and use rational ways of resolving their problems (5).…”

“…This style creates trust in interpersonal relationships and can shape normal social relationships (5). These people have mental health, are less aggressive and use rational ways of resolving their problems (5). In the dependent attachment style, people need an emotional relationship and act more rational than anxious people in the avoidance of loneliness (20).…”

“…This deep connection with mother, or her deputy, propels children to create an inner working pattern (3). An individual’s relationship with their environment is shaped by experiences and memories from their inner pattern that provide guidelines for connections (5). The most important principle of attachment theory is that infants need to develop a close relationship with their mother or primary caregiver for successful social and emotional development and for learning to regulate feelings in an effective way (5).…”

“…The most important principle of attachment theory is that infants need to develop a close relationship with their mother or primary caregiver for successful social and emotional development and for learning to regulate feelings in an effective way (5). Bowlby recognized three types of attachment styles: secure, anxious and dependent (5). Studies on sexual offenders have shown that they have had inefficient and unsecure experiences in attachment style (6); they often develop in unresponsive families (7).…”

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“…This research used a "grounded-theory informed" methodology (Annells, 2006). Groundedtheory informed methodologies do not conform completely to the original tenets of grounded theory as presented by Glaser and Strauss (1967), but instead are based upon key philosophical and methodological assumptions of the approach (Burk, Danquah, & Berry, 2015;Padgett, 1998;Perez, Mubanga, Aznar, & Bagnol, 2015). This method recognizes the centrality of data as the main source of theory construction or, in the case of much grounded-theory informed research, themes (Furman, Langer, Sanchez, & Negi, 2007).…”