Attachment Theory Case Study

Attachment Theory. School Shootings can have life-changing effects on young people victimized by the event. Each survivor of this trauma is unique and pulls on various resources to contribute to psychological recovery. The ability of an individual to process the event, cope, make sense of, and regulate their emotions, all play a key role in recovery after a school shooting and are linked to Attachment Theory. Attachment Theory, originated by John Bowlby, a British psychologist, suggests that the ability of a person to cope with a traumatic event is built in infancy and the individual’s attachment with their primary caregivers. This early relationship forms a basis for an individual’s sense of security or insecurity in regulating arousal and emotions resulting from stress, as well as how to receive support and attention when needed (Turunen, et al., 2014). The primary constructs of Attachment Theory are the Attachment Behavioral System, the Attachment Style, and the Working Models (Blakely & Dziadosz, 2015). The …show more content…
The anxious-ambivalent style represents a negative view of self and a positive view of others, and is generated by an inconsistent caregiver that praises the child one day and condemns the next. The anxious-avoidant style is characterized by a positive view of self and a negative view of others, and is generated by a caregiver who is critical of the child and dismissive of the child’s feelings. The disorganized style is the most insecure and is characterized by a negative view of self as well as a negative view of others, and is generated by a caregiver who is feared by the child (Blakely & Dziadosz, 2015). Those who have insecure attachment styles perceive help as risky and uncomfortable and have difficulty regulating their emotions, including fear, threat-related thoughts, and feelings of helplessness (Turunen et al.,