Childhood trauma and attachment disorder

Abstract

Bonding between parent and child is a reciprocal process that fosters human attachment. In turn, attachment affects a child's ability to form meaningful human relationships and to develop into a fully functioning adult. Impairment of bonding and attachment has devastating developmental implications for a child. Exposure to neglect, abuse, and violence results in serious deficiencies of physical, emotional, social, behavioral, and moral development. These traumas distort essential aspects of love and trust that have lasting impacts on self-esteem, human relationships, and psychological health. Several specific psychological disorders are associated with attachment problems caused by early childhood neglect and trauma, including Reactive Attachment Disorder. Therapy that addresses the cognitive distortions of impaired attachment and the rebuilding or repair of human attachments can improve lives and prevent intergenerational transmission of negative parenting behaviors. This literature review examines the existing scholarly understanding of healthy and pathological attachment, and the specific problems caused by early childhood neglect and trauma. Promising treatment approaches for attachment-related disorders are discussed and recommendations for further theoretical and therapeutic progress are included.