Attachment Theory Applied to Juvenile Sex Offending

ABSTRACT

This paper proposes the application of attachment theory to the interaction between juvenile sex offenders and society, including helping systems of professionals. Basic concepts on parent-child attachment are discussed, including the relationship of early attachments to juvenile delinquency and sex offending. Helping systems can often be involved in perpetuating cycles of abuse through destructive reactions to offending youths. Attachment-related approaches to treatment are noted. A conceptualization of healthy and unhealthy helping system interaction is offered to promote family integrity as a primary priority of treatment. Professionals who connect with juvenile offenders through safe and secure working relationships can aid in repairing earlier destructive emotional attachments which seem to further sex offending.