Acknowledgements. Dedication. Introduction. Part 1. Theoretical and Research Background. 1. What is Disorganized Attachment? 2. Key Pathways to Disorganized Attachment and its Consequences. 3. Identification and Assessment of Disorganized Attachment. 4. Neurological, Biochemical and Genetic Explanations. Part 2. Intervening Factors Leading to Disorganized Attachment. 5. Unresolved Loss and Trauma. 6. Mentalization and Reflective Function. 7. Specific Caregiver Behaviour (with David Wilkins). Part 3. Theory and Research into Practice. 8. What Produces Successful Interventions? (with David Phillips). 9. The Assessment of Disorganized Attachment and Maltreatment (ADAM) Project (with Tania Young). Concluding Comments. References. Subject Index. Author Index.
A comprehensive and accessible text on disorganized attachment, outlining what it is, how it can be identified and the key causes
David Shemmings is Professor of Social Work in the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research at the University of Kent. He undertook his PhD in attachment theory, and has spent most of his working life in the field of child protection. Yvonne Shemmings is a Continuing Professional Development Specialist and has trained professionals in over 30 child protection organizations. She is a qualified social worker and a senior manager, and her work includes the use of attachment theory in practice. Both David and Yvonne have published widely in the fields of child and adult attachment and child protection.
This accessible and informative book takes an up-to-date approach
to the topic of disorganized attachment... The text has an
authoritative research base and will be of use to social work and
counselling/therapy professionals.
*The Journal of Analytical Psychology*
Shemmings and Shemmings cut to the crux of the child protection
system... If the vision of practice featured in Understanding
Disorganized Attachment is realized, social workers will have a
research-based framework with which to assess and to assist parents
and children most at risk of maltreatment. In turn, this knowledge
could help raise social workers' confidence in their abilities,
sense of efficacy in interventions and purpose in visits.
*Critical Social Policy*
When I read a book, I put a sticky note on any page I find
interesting and intend to refer to later. In this book of 240
pages, there were 55 stickies. I read it again. It is an easy to
read, though academic, book and, in parts, is entertaining. It
draws from a list of references and demonstrates not only how our
knowledge has developed over the years, but where we might go in
the future. The subject matter is crucial to anyone working with,
and making decisions on behalf of, children and families... I would
recommend this book to any childcare practitioner in health and
social care and carers.
*Seen and Heard*
I was keen to review this book and have not been disappointed. It
is a scholarly and practical work containing a wealth of valuable
information and theoretically researched suggestions... the book in
its entirety is one that should be required reading for training in
anything connected with children's welfare, for health and
particularly mental health professionals, and for teacher
training.
*Counselling Children & Young People*
This book is written in a clear, accessible style, without
over-simplifying some of the very complex ideas. It is scholarly
and well-researched. It also provides helpful introductions to
attachment theory, metallisation and recent developments in
neuroscience.
*Children & Young People Now*
A well-written book that clearly, and in detail, describes the
ethology, assessment, and components of effective treatment of
disorganized attachment. The authors explain the main concepts of
attachment theory with a remarkable clarity that is refreshing and
insightful, drawing on historical and everyday examples to
illustrate their points. It is clear, complete, and put into easily
understandable terms. The [authors] have written a seminal work on
disorganized attachment.
*Dr Arthur Becker-Weidman, Director, The Center for Family
Development in Williamsville, New York, USA*
This is a fabulous book. It provides a clear and coherent account
of normal attachment systems in children and their parents, and an
equally clear account of how the behaviours of parents affect the
security of children's attachment. The authors are experienced
real-world practitioners as well as researchers, and it shows. I
hope and anticipate that this book will be read by all those
working in child protection systems, especially family court judges
and those who assess parents accused of maltreatment.
*Dr Gwen Adshead, Consultant Forensic Psychotherapist, Broadmoor
Hospital, UK*
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