An exploratory study of the association between reactive attachment disorder and attachment narratives in early school-age children

Minnis, H. et al. (2009) An exploratory study of the association between reactive attachment disorder and attachment narratives in early school-age children. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 50(8), pp. 931-942. (doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2009.02075.x)

Abstract

Objective:  To explore attachment narratives in children diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder (RAD). Method:  We compared attachment narratives, as measured by the Manchester Child Attachment Story Task, in a group of 33 children with a diagnosis of RAD and 37 comparison children. Results:  The relative risk (RR) for children with RAD having an insecure attachment pattern was 2.4 (1.4–4.2) but 30% were rated as securely attached. Within the RAD group, children with a clear history of maltreatment were more likely to be Insecure-Disorganised than children without a clear history of maltreatment. Conclusions:  Reactive attachment disorder is not the same as attachment insecurity, and questions remain about how attachment research informs clinical research on attachment disorders.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Follan, Dr Michael and Pelosi, Professor Anthony and Gillberg, Professor Christopher and Minnis, Professor Helen and Young, Professor Daniel
• Authors: Minnis, H., Green, J., O'Connor, T.G., Liew, A., Glaser, D., Taylor, E., Follan, M.G., Young, D.G., Barnes, J., Gillberg, C., Pelosi, A.J., Arthur, J., Burston, A., Connolly, B., and Sadiq, F.A.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Centre for Population and Health Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Clinical Specialities
• Journal Name: Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry
• ISSN: 0021-9630
• ISSN (Online): 1469-7610
• Published Online: 01 April 2009