Understanding Attachment styles in Mental Health & Crime

Ekata Deb
3 min readApr 20, 2024

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Photo by Sydney Sims on Unsplash

Here we will talk about attachment styles relating to mental health and Crimes. The three 'P' model states it's not personality disorder unless the symptoms are problem, persistent and pervasive. Attachment theory is probably the most helpful and understandable theoretical model. Insecure or Poor attachment style together with experiences of trauma tends to lead to difficulties in accurately interpreting the thoughts and feelings of others, managing relationships, which trigger strong and unmanageable emotions

Treatment me however, not be available in all cases, particularly for those who are unresponsive and in denial, (National offender Management Service, 2015). The attachment theory is the most helpful and understandable theoretical model was said by NOMS, 2015. This attachment theory was given by John Bobby in 1969. The word, attachment means bonding between the caregiver and the child. Thus attachment and the related style forms in the childhood. There are various types of such attachment styles, vis-
1) Secure attachment
2) Disorganised or anxious attachment
3) Avoidantbattachment
4) Ambivant or fearful or Anxious-Avoidant Attachment.

Let's try to deal briefly in these attachment styles.
1) Secure attachment : The caregiver were consistent with providing care and reassurance. Children get distressed when separated from Caregivers and show joy when reunited. They tend to be relying on caregivers for reassurance and support if frightened or distressed. In adulthood healthy attitude towards relationship trust ability to handle rejection comfortable with being alone and independent good self image are the signs of having secure attachment styles. Approximately 50% of people are secure attachment style ( Mickelson et al, 1997).

2) Disorganized or Anxious attachment: This results from inconsistent caregivers behaviours towards them during their childhood. A mixture of different behaviours (confused behaviours) can be the deep fold reasons. A strong possibility of developing unhealthy attachments in adult relationships for example being afraid of separation, abandonment, jealousy, clingyness, involvement in abusive or co dependent relationships, having trust issues etc. Tend to have somewhat positive view of others while having negative view of themselves, also might idolize relationships , while depicting poor self esteem, self worth.

3) Avoidant attachment: Results from being neglectful or having an abusive parenting during childhood. Showing no preference between a caregiver and a complete stranger. Feeling discomfort with deep connections, relationships can be problematic, complaining about being suffocated when others try to get closer to them. Afraid of commitment and have an exit strategy when they are in the relationship. Typically have a pretty good view of themselves but more negative view of others.

4) Ambivalent or fearful , also known as Anxious-Avoidant attachment: Results from poor parental availability i.e. parents were often, absent, abusive behaviour, poor parenting styles. learning not to rely on others when distressed. In adulthood fear of attachment or commitment are found, avoiding romantic relationships and close friendship, displaying agitated or avoided behaviour if someone is trying to get close to them, high trust issues. Anxious-Avoidants often spend match of the time being alone and extremely miserable, or in abusive or dysfunctional relationships.

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Ekata Deb
Ekata Deb

Written by Ekata Deb

Firm Believer of Utilitarianism, Existentialism, Realism, with an oxymoron Spirit of Idealism & Nihilism. Practice Stoicism & Vipassana.

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