Disruption of attachment

Disruption of attachment

1. PROCEDURE

   • 1. Robertson and robertson made a film about how brief separation from the PCG can affect a childs mental state and psychological development.
     • 2. They filmed John (18 months) who had never been separated from his mother before. He was said to eat ad sleep well and had a quiet and harmonious relationship with his mother.
       • 3. He became increasingly distressed on day 3 of his 9 day stay at a residential nursery. When his mother returned he began to cry loudly and throw himself about.
         • 4. When his mother put him on her lap he struggled and ran away, when he finally settled he didn't look at her and he escaped into his fathers arms when he arrived.

2. FINDINGS

   • John displayed all three components of distress (PDD) these are the short-term effect.s.
     • PROTEST: Immediate response to separation. Involves crying, screaming and clinging to the mother to prevent her leaving. It is an outward expression of the childs fear, anger and confusion.
     • DESPAIR: Protest/struggling is replaced with a calmer behavior. The child prefers to comfort himself by rocking or sucking their thumb, refusing comfort from others. Child may seem uninterested or withdrawn. Child still feels inward anger and fear.
     • DETACHMENT: (if separation continues) The child begins to respond to others again but everyone is treated alike and superficially. When the mother returns the child may reject her and may have to relearn the relationship.
     • LONG TERM EFFECTS: Separation anxiety. Characteristics: Demanding, Extreme clingyness, Evidence of mental illness, Detachment