Intervening beyond the child: The intertwining nature of attachment and trauma

A. Margaret, E. Blaustein and Kristine AI. Kinniburgh

The role of the care giving system in child development Early childhood experiences playa crucial role in long-term outcomes. In normative development, the attachment system provides the safe container that allows children to cope with and filter the vast amount of new experiences they are exposed to on a daily basis. Within the safety of that attachment system, children are able to explore their worlds, and develop a range of skills, including the ability to regulate their body and emotions, build an early understanding of self and others, and, over time, develop an array of increasingly sophisticated developmental competencies (Schore, 2001). The attachment system may also act as a key resiliency factor for children who are exposed to distressing experiences (Shapiro & Levendosky, 1999). A secure attachment can act as a buffer to mitigate the impact of overwhelming stressors, and to support recovery and healing.

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