Risk Factors, Research Paper Example

Abstract

As humans grow, we form attachments with the other beings that are in our vicinity for any extended period of time. With the application of attachment theory, a working model is provided to evaluate both the relationships formed, as well as social interactions on the emotional, physical, and mental levels. Take attachment theory, then, and apply it to a child suffering from reactive attachment disorder; of what does the model inform researchers and how is that helpful? Better yet, take only the emotional information provided from the attachment theory and apply it to the child in question. Is the information well rounded being standalone of does the theory require all of its components to be valuable? This paper looks into just that, and then critiques the effectiveness.

Outline

1. Introduction:
   1. Since the dawn of time, man has sought to explain the world around him; what makes X respond to Y? Why does Y do Z? As multiples ways to explain, or theories, have come into existence man has then sought out a way to fine tune their findings. One theory that was developed to explain relationships and interactions between friends and family on the long term scale is none other than the attachment theory.
   2. Thesis: As such, although attachment theory is a broadly encompassing phenomenon in the psychological field, is it possible to take a single component of the theory, such as the emotions and apply it to a singular situation, or circumstance, for informative results; regardless of the fact that there are still aspects like physical and mental development that could have been evaluated?
2. Attachment Theory
   1. Brief history and overview-
      1. Developers of the theory and when it appeared in academia.
      2. Applicable situations in which the theory may be used, and by whom.
3. Where is Attachment Theory headed in today’s psychological study?
4. Attachment Theory: Point of Focus
   1. Evaluate what would fall under the sub- heading of physical implications through the attachment theory.
   2. Evaluate what would fall under the sub- heading of mental development through the attachment theory.
   3. Of all the various factors present in the attachment theory, take the emotional implications inherent there-in.
      1. Emotional factors such as comfort to explore ones environment, the feelings of safety that imbue confidence, etc…
   4. How do they stand alone from the other components of the theory?
   5. Is it possible to take a real world application and apply only one facet of the whole?
5. Application Overview
   1. Applying the attachment theory to reactive attachment disorder (RAD).
   2. What is it? A quick sum up: RAD is a developmentally social interactions disorder than can appear after failure to develop typical attachments to primary caregivers during early childhood.
6. Application of Theory
   1. How do the emotional aspects of the attachment theory apply to RAD?
   2. To look through the emotional filter of the attachment theory, are children emotionally challenged in the presences of RAD? Or is there simply a lack of feeling all together?
7. Conclusion
   1. Restatement of thesis. Recapping on findings. Critique of theory and the wholesomeness to which it applies to RAD.
8. References

References

American Psychiatric Association (2000). “Diagnostic Criteria for 313.89 Reactive Attachment Disorder of         Infancy or Early Childhood”. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., text revision United States: American Psychiatric Press Inc.

Kobak R, Madsen S (2008). “Disruption in Attachment Bonds”.. Handbook of Attachment: Theory, Research and Clinical Applications. New York and London: Guilford Press. pp. 23–47

Schechter DS, Willheim E (July 2009). “Disturbances of Attachment and Parental Psychopathology in Early Childhood”. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America 18 (3): 665–86