This book offers an analysis and summary of the uses, abuses and limitations of attachment theory in contemporary child welfare practice.
Analysing the primary science and drawing on the authors' original empirical work, the book shows how attachment theory can distort and influence decision-making. It argues that the dominant view of attachment theory may promote a problematic diagnostic mindset, whilst undervaluing the enduring relationships between children and adults.
The book concludes that attachment theory can still play an important role in child welfare practice, but the balance of the research agenda needs a radical shift towards a sophisticated understanding of the realities of human experience to inform ethical practice. "
Reassessing Attachment Theory in Child Welfare is an incredibly valuable intervention into debates about the use of attachment theory and research by practitioners. The authors highlight major discrepancies between the accounts of attachment of researches and of practitioners and offer some timely cautions. They also present an insightful account of why attachment theory - or, at least, a cut-down version of it - has had such appeal for child welfare practice. A terrific contribution to the literature." Matthew Gibson, University of Birmingham
Reassessing Attachment Theory in Child Welfare
801 777 223
Your basket
