Multiple Attachment Representations in Clinical Practice: Case Study of a Six-Year-Old Maltreated Child

Abstract

Research on attachment predominantly traces the effect of a single or primary attachment and/or attachment style on working models and behavior. However, most children form multiple attachments. This article reviews research on multiple attachment representations in children and considers how such information can usefully be applied to clinical settings. Through the case study of a six-year-old adopted boy with a history of maltreatment, it explores how those internal working models can be assessed in treatment and the clinical value of recognizing different attachment representations and styles. Implications for treatment interventions are explored.

KEYWORDS:

• multiple attachments
• attachment representations
• child therapy
• dyadic therapy
• trauma