Understanding Disorganized Attachment

Attachment theory argues that a child will turn to an attachment figure for comfort and reassurance when frightened or threatened. But if the attachment figure is itself a source of the threat the child is presented with an insoluble problem, which leads to "fright without solution". Disorganised attachment can develop as a result of this dilemma. It is closely correlated with dissociative states and borderline personality disorder in adulthood. This book is written in a clear, accessible style, without over-simplifying some of the very complex ideas. It is scholarly and well-researched. It also provides helpful introductions to attachment theory, mentalisation and recent developments in neuroscience. It will be relevant to anyone working with troubled children, although it is perhaps most relevant to child protection professionals.

The focus tends to be on working with the parents of children with disorganised attachment. I regretted that more attention was not given to how children and adolescents with disorganised attachment can present. The work of Holmes (2004) and Hughes (2006) could have added examples of how disorganised attachment can lead to controlling, aggressive and self-destructive behaviours.

Jim Walker, independent social worker and psychotherapist

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