The impact of disrupted attachment on the emotional and interpersonal development of looked after children

Le résumé fourni par la source

That we are born with the ability to interact socially with the world around us is an accepted fact. Decades of research posit the first 18 months to two years of a child’s life as being critical for further development and honing of these skills. Ultimately, human beings are social animals, and if this early development is compromised the consequences may be far-reaching and significant for the life both of the individual and the carers. Maltreatment may represent one such compromise and the majority of children in foster care will have experienced abuse or neglect in their family of origin. However, removing children at a time when important tasks of attachment and bonding are taking place may impact detrimentally on their developmental outcomes. This paper reviews the literature with regards to the impact disrupted attachment may have upon the emotional and interpersonal development of looked after children. Issues arise in determining the effects of exposure to adversity prior to becoming looked after and negative experiences whilst in foster care. The factors affecting the development of looked after children are complex and involve the interaction of many different variables across times and situations. Conclusions are drawn about the current unsatisfactory state of the care system as regards the emotional well-being of its charges, and the role applied psychology can play in providing and informing interventions to support all those involved.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.