Importance of attachment

Studies have identified a strong parental attachment as a protective factor against adolescent–to–parent violence.

(Ibade & Bentler, 2015; Peek, Holt, 2013; Fischer & Kidwell, 1985)

Moreover, young people with low attachment scores were found to have higher rates of violence. Therefore, the majority of your work with a young person and his / her family is attachment-based. Playing games and blowing bubbles as a family are going to be crucial activities that will lead to discussions about domestic violence and pro–violent beliefs later in your work.

Most importantly, programs that include mothers can break isolation, as well as target attachment (Jackson, 2003). Giving mothers an opportunity to work on their relationship with their child, in a group setting, helps combat isolation and gives families hope.

And in our case, how a mother, learns about herself. The reflective nature of attachment is crucial. Moreover, children learn how to regulate their emotions by having emotional support from their caregiver/s.

Due to disorganised attachment, safe attachments are both triggering and healing for mums and adolescents. For example, one family started therapy and could only do ten-minute activities before becoming too escalated to continue. Over time, mum learned how to manage her son’s cues and became more confident in her parenting. Moreover, the young person felt safe and connected to mum over time. After three months of joint work, they were able to do a 60-minute session together and hug each other. This increased attachment also translated into reduced violence at home.