Attachment theory

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Attachment theory in old age
Pirjo Juhela 15.6.2005
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John Bowlby Attachment theory
Konrad Lorenz and Nikolaas Tinbergen Imprinting
(Nobel-price for medicin and physiology, 1973
for their ethological studies)
Sigmund Freud Secondary drive theory
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Attachment theory is based upon evolution
theories, ethological studies
Most important is that one does not end up as a
meal Second important is that one gets a meal
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The attachment behavioral system

• A relation of a weaker (child) to a stronger
  person
• (mother, father etc often in a hierarchi)
• Goal is protection from danger to get
  protection
• it means that one has to be close physically
• - Communication different ways to inform of a
• potential danger,
• different ways of keeping contact and also the
• different ways physical contact can attained
• - Care-giving behavior - soothing, calming,
• physical contact

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The role of emotions Many of the most intense
feelings arise during the formation,
maintanance, disruption and renewal of
attachment relationships. (Bowlby, 1979)

The role of cognition Bowlby internal
working models In cognitive psychotherapy
schema?
These internal working models or schema are
important - in our early attachment
relationships, how to anticipate future and make
plans - how we can enter into and function in
new attachment relationships
Attachment relationships are important
throughout our lives
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Attachment behavior is activated in situations
where there is potential danger
- strange situation especially if there are
strangers present - heights - loud sounds,
looming or approaching - at night, in darkness
Attachment behavior is easily activated when the
child is vulnerable such as
- sick - hungry - tired
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Mary Ainsworth Attachment classifications A
Insecure attachment, avoidant B Secure
attachment C Insecure attachment,
ambivalent D Disorganized attachment ,
disoriented
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Patricia Crittenden attachment strategies B -
secure, integrerated, true information about
affect and cognition A - avoidant, true
cognition, denial of painful emotions, A1-8 from
normal to highly pathological C ambivalent,
hostile/dependant, experience of of emotion
primary (true affect), C 1-8 AC integrated
false cognition and emotion (sociopath)
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Mary Main et al Attachment behaviour vs Caregivin
g behaviour
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Attachment Capacity to seek care Capacity to
make use of care
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Caregiving Capacity to give care Capacity to be
able to give right care at the right time by the
right person
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Attachment in old age???? Potential dangers in
old age?
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In old age? Attachment (?) Capacity to seek
care? Capacity to accept care?
Caregiving (?) Capacity to give care? Capacity
to be able to give the right kind of care at the
right moment by the right person?