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Session 9/15

Page 3/10 Insecure attachment patterns in children and caregiver behaviour

Insecure attachment patterns in children (avoidant, ambivalent or disorganised) and caregiver behaviour

You remember from session 6 how children act when they have experienced secure care in the first years of life:

  • When caregivers provide a secure base, the child 0-2 years tends to be sad when the caregiver leaves – but not for long. As soon as the caregiver comes back, the child will calm down, and soon, it will start to crawl away and spend a lot of time playing and exploring. Secure children quickly overcome separations.
  • Older children and teenagers with a secure attachment pattern will often be self-reliant and have a positive view on themselves and others, and they will seek for help when needed. They will have several personal relations with peers and caregivers.

There are three attachment patterns that reflect an insecure relation with the first caregivers.
Please think of the children or teenagers in your care while you study insecure attachment patterns. After the description you will discuss how the children in your care respond when you leave, or when you relate with them.