Session 4

Unit Three: Impact of Child Maltreatment on
Development and Attachment

A lot of attention has been paid to the impact of trauma and maltreatment on the attachment process. When thinking of a child’s attachment history, it is helpful to view it on a continuum from less secure to more secure. A child, whose basic needs for food, shelter, nurturance and safety were met, has a more secure base for forming attachments with others. When a child has to give most of their attention and energy to basic survival, he or she will have a less secure base.

Less secure or insecure attachment in some children may lead to behavioral problems. Children may be avoidant, hiding their feelings, appear detached and rely only on themselves. Insecurely attached children may struggle to express their needs, have difficulty regulating their emotions and may be aggressive. Some children may be overly compliant, always trying to please, immediately forming relationships with strangers as a way of trying to appease adults. These children need families who can provide them with a safe, consistent, and secure environment. They will probably need therapeutic intervention from a skilled therapist as well.

Foster and adoptive parents need to recognize that there are some past experiences that influence development and cannot be significantly altered. However, there will always be many opportunities to help children reach their full potential.

It is also important to note that many children develop emotional coping mechanisms and adaptive behaviors to deal with their abuse. Children who have been abused and neglected may develop extreme coping strategies in order to have their needs met.

For example:

A child who has been left in a household without food for days at a time may cope by hoarding food, hiding it under his bed or closet, and constantly overeating.

A child who is told “No, you can’t have…” in the store may fall to the floor and throw an extreme temper tantrum.

In Session 5 you will be learning more about why and how children express the range of emotions they are experiencing and learn strategies for effective discipline and support.

Refer to Resource reading “Effects of Abuse and Neglect on Development”  in your manual as an additional source of information.

Refer to Resource reading “Assessment of Present Adjustment” in your manual as an additional source of information.

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