Attachment Styles in Children Living in Alternative Care: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

BackgroundA large number of children are currently living in Alternative Care. The relationship they establish with their temporary caregivers can play a significant role in their development. However, little has been published regarding attachment with temporary Caregivers.ObjectiveThe aim of this review is to analyse the existing published studies regarding attachment styles in children living in alternative care (Children’s Homes and Foster Care). The review analyses rates of attachment styles and associated factors (including characteristics of settings, children and caregivers) in both settings.MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted searching electronic databases for peer reviewed publications in different languages. Studies considering attachment in children living in Children’s Homes or Foster families at the time of the study were included.ResultsOverall, 18 articles reporting 13 studies met the inclusion criteria. The results are presented in terms of characteristics of the studies, rates of attachment in different settings and possible mediating factors. Implications for practice and research are discussed.ConclusionsAttachment styles in children living in alternative care differ from those observed in children living with biological or adoptive families, however several factors can mediate this outcome (including characteristics of settings, children and caregivers). Most research has been conducted in Europe and USA. Therefore, further research is needed in less developed countries in order to guide local policies for better care.

Is the deinstitutionalisation of alternative care a ‘wicked problem’? A qualitative study exploring the perceptions of child welfare practitioners and policy actors in Thailand

“…In recent years, research reviews into alternative care have reinforced these seminal findings from the works of Bowlby, Ainsworth and Rutter. For example, Garcia Quiroga and Hamilton-Giachritsis (2016) undertook a systematic review of the literature on attachment and found that attachment security for children across alternative care was negatively affected but that the impact was greater for children in institutions.…”

Desarrollo en las infancias institucionalizadas y en familias de acogida temporal: Una revisión bibliográfica

“…A partir de lo descripto, fueron seleccionados 58 artículos, de los cuales 19 corresponden a revisiones sistemáticas (Anghel, Herczog, y Dima, 2013;Bakermans-Kranenburg et al, 2011;Browne, 2017;Del Valle, Bravo y López López, 2009;Finet et al, 2016;García Quiroga y Hamilton-Giachritsis, 2016;Gómez Bengoechea y Berástegui Pedro Viejo, 2009;Gunnar y Quevedo, 2007;Heim y Nemeroff, 2001;Jaar y Córdova, 2017;Johnson y Gunnar, 2011;Kaufman et al, 2000;Martínez González, 2008;McCall, 2012;Monaghan y Haussmann, 2015;Nemeroff, 2004;Rodríguez Juárez, 2016;Van IJzen-doorn et al, 2011;World Health Organization, 2004), 4 son informes de organizaciones para la infancia (Palummo, 2013;RELAF, 2016;UNICEF, 2012;, mientras que los 35 restantes corresponden a estudios empíricos.…”

Psychological Security in At-Risk Youth: Attachment, Emotion Regulation, and PTSD Symptom Severity

“…In an attempt to ameliorate attachment insecurities between foster youth and foster parents, researchers are evaluating factors that predict secure attachment and interventions to increase secure attachment and connection (Quiroga and Hamilton-Giachritsis 2016;Wright and Edington 2016). For example, Dozier et al (2009) tested an intervention designed to teach foster parents how to provide nurturing care to young (3.6-to 39.4-month-old) foster children who did not elicit such care.…”