Child Development
A close “bonding” relationship must be formed during the first year of life and is characterized by three different elements:
- There is an enduring emotional relationship with a specific person,
- The presence of this specific person provides a sense of safety, comfort, and pleasure to the child, and
- The loss or threat of loss of that person causes great distress in the child.
Children who have not had a bonding relationship, or those whose relationships have been disrupted by domestic violence, child abuse, etc…, often suffer from problems related to these disturbances in what has been characterized as “Type D” attachment. Type D refers to disorganized and/or disoriented attachment and is directly attributable to particularly destructive behavioral outcomes – especially violence and aggression. They are more likely to have academic problems, lower self-esteem, an inability to relate with their peers, and subsequent problems with “tuning out” reality. Furthermore, these children are unable to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate persons with whom to seek comfort, support, and nurturing.
Caretaker behaviors that contribute to Type D problems in kids include:
- Displaying frightening or frightened behavior in front of the child
- High levels of parental negativity and criticism
- Emotionally-disturbed communications
