Exploring Attachment and Internal Representations in Looked-After Children

Abstract

Background: This article explores the Story Stem Assessment Profile (SSAP), a narrative-based measure, for the assessment of internal representations in children between the ages of 4 and 11 years old. Methods: The findings draw upon two samples of children comprising of a sample of looked-after children at Five Rivers Child Care (FR) (n = 42) and a community-based population (n = 42). The FR group identified were suggested to have a higher level of need, as defined by scores obtained from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Relationship Problems Questionnaire (RPQ). Results: Using the SSAP, the findings indicate the instrument's discriminant validity with strong differences being displayed between the two populations. Consistently children in the FR sample displayed more disorganized, avoidant and negative representations, whilst at the same time having significantly fewer representations characteristic of 'secure' attachment. Conclusion: The SSAP is successful in differentiating between 'low' and 'high' cohorts of children aged 4-11 years. The study provides strong support for the measure as a way of capturing internal and attachment representations, with further research to explore possible changes in these representations at follow-up being promising and intriguing. Continued research efforts at FR will allow for improved clinical formulations, increased understanding and therefore positive outcomes relating to the children in their care.

Benefits, positive factors and difficulties perceived by mentors participating in a mentoring programme aimed at youth in residential care

“…may interfere with maintaining a mentoring relationship (Grossman & Rhodes, 2002; Kupersmidt et al, 2017). Finally, some mentors also reported difficulties related to the mentee's negative attitudes or emotional state that may be linked to traumatic past experiences and attachment disruptions which, in turn, may lead to difficulties in establishing new bonds (Hillman et al, 2020; Millward et al, 2006). These psychosocial aspects should be considered when allocating and training mentors for such programmes.…”

Emotional Availability in Mother-Child and Father-Child Interactions as Predictors of Child’s Attachment Representations in Adoptive Families

“…A vast body of research has consistently indicated that children exposed to neglect and trauma at an early age tend to form negative representations of others and of themselves [40][41][42]. These previous experiences contribute to forming their internal working models [34].…”

“…Within the scope of adoption, one of the most explored risk factors in research is the child s age when adopted, which is assumed to be a relevant predictor of adoption outcomes [40]. For example, early adoption is an important childhood protector from the risk of adulthood depression (which is associated with early adversity) [46].…”

“…Currently, there are only a handful of studies that explore the relationship between EA and children's attachment in adoptive families (see [55,63,66,68]). Recent research has highlighted the advantages of using narratives to access the children s internal working models [40]. However, only a few studies have explored the EA in adoptive families and the relationship between dyadic EA, and the attachment representations in both mother-child and fatherchild interactions.…”

Holding a foster child’s mind in mind: study protocol for a cluster-randomized controlled trial of mentalization-based therapy (MBT) for foster families

“…Hillman, Cross, and Anderson [ 25 ] measured attachment representations by using a story stem approach in which attachment narratives are coded in a dimensional manner. The study compared data from a sample of children placed in foster care with a matched sample of non-maltreated children who lived with their biological parents.…”