GRIEF, TRAUMA AND ATTACHMENT

GRIEF, TRAUMA AND ATTACHMENT

§1. The attachment system regulates the interplay between the child’s exploration and their need for safety and protection – a biologically based system with regulation mechanisms both on the child and adult side

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2. This fine-tuned system is totally dependent on the presence of the mother (father). A lack of emotional or physical presence can lead to different forms of ambivalent, insecure or disorganised attachment

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3. Recent research show that parents that struggle following loss and trauma often have an insecure or anxious attachment

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4. There is a danger that small children get their attachment disturbed and that parental capacity is reduced .

§5. It is through the fine-tuned interplay between the caregiver and the child that the foundation for future trust, self-worth, identity and ability to regulate feelings are developed

§6. Especially the ability to regulate emotions is important. When the mother (father) soothes or calms down or consoles with her voice, her words and explanations ”it is not dangerous”, as well as her body, the executive systems in the cortex are developed. Gradually the child him/herself can reduce the alarm bells and the action systems (fight, flight, freeze, surrender) in the deeper structures of the brain

§7.With reduced parental capacity this development is under stimulated or deviated

GRIEF, TRAUMA AND ATTACHMENT