Attachment theory in old age Pirjo Juhela

John Bowlby: Attachment theory Konrad Lorenz and Nikolaas Tinbergen: Imprinting (Nobel-price for medicin and physiology, 1973 for their ethological studies) Sigmund Freud Secondary drive theory

Attachment theory is based upon evolution theories, ethological studies Most important is that one does not end up as a meal Second important is that one gets a meal

The attachment behavioral system - A relation of a weaker (child) to a stronger person (mother, father etc often in a hierarchi) - Goal is protection from danger – to get protection it means that one has to be close physically - Communication – different ways to inform of a potential danger, different ways of keeping contact and also the different ways physical contact can attained - Care-giving behavior - soothing, calming, physical contact

* Attachment relationships are important throughout our lives The role of emotions ”Many of the most intense feelings arise during the formation, maintanance, disruption and renewal of attachment relationships.” (Bowlby, 1979) The role of cognition Bowlby: internal working models In cognitive psychotherapy: schema? These internal working models or schema are important: - in our early attachment relationships, how to anticipate future and make plans - how we can enter into and function in new attachment relationships

Attachment behavior is easily activated when the child is vulnerable such as: - sick - hungry - tired Attachment behavior is activated in situations where there is potential danger: - strange situation especially if there are strangers present - heights - loud sounds, looming or approaching - at night, in darkness

Mary Ainsworth: Attachment classifications A Insecure attachment, avoidant B Secure attachment C Insecure attachment, ambivalent D Disorganized attachment, disoriented

Patricia Crittenden: attachment strategies B - secure, integrerated, true information about affect and cognition A - avoidant, true cognition, denial of painful emotions, A1-8 from ’normal’ to highly pathological C – ambivalent, hostile/dependant, experience of of emotion primary (true affect), C 1-8 AC – integrated false cognition and emotion (sociopath)

Mary Main et al: Attachment behaviour vs Caregiving behaviour

Attachment : Capacity to seek care Capacity to make use of care

Caregiving: Capacity to give care Capacity to be able to give right care at the right time by the right person

Attachment in old age???? Potential dangers in old age?

Caregiving (?): Capacity to give care? Capacity to be able to give the right kind of care at the right moment by the right person? In old age? Attachment (?): Capacity to seek care? Capacity to accept care?