Attachment and relationship difficulties in early childhood

Abstract

The goal of this study is to describe the role of attachment relationships, as well as the short- and long-term emotional and behavioural consequences of different attachment types. It focuses on the interactions that are typical of the mother-child relationship in the context of slips, derailments, and atypical modes of functioning under psychological and psychosocial stress of the mother. It provides an explanation for the phenomena of maternal sensitivity, reflection as well as inadequate or disharmonious manifestations of mentalization processes, which all play an important role in determining early relationship. An important part of the study is to clarify the connections and differences between the disorganized attachment type and clinical attachment disorders. It also considers possibilities for prevention and intervention of early childhood problems, emphasizing the integrated parent-infant/young child consultation method.