Contemporary attachment theory isn’t what you think it is: Informing the social work curriculum with the latest research
Attachment theory is one of the core theories promoted to improve practice in child and family social work, but concerns have been raised regarding misunderstandings and misapplications. Misinformation about attachment is widespread, and texts and teaching on attachment theory often emphasise aspects of the theory that have limited value for applied practice while other elements with greater practice value are often overlooked.
In an article published in Social Work Education titled Attachment theory and research: what should be on the core curriculum for child and family social workers?, - developed in collaboration with social work educators, practitioners including CoramBAAF members, and contemporary attachment researchers - a team of researchers present concepts and up to date research findings from attachment theory that are particularly relevant for social work with children and families and includes proposals that are far removed from the use of attachment theory to label and pigeonhole children.
Sarah Foster, a social work educator at Northumbria University, led this work with myself and colleagues after finding that social workers and allied children and families practitioners were predominantly being introduced to a deeply outdated presentation of attachment theory, and one that focused on placing children into categories. This focus can lead to unhelpful practice. It has also meant that some practitioners have been turning away from the theory, without realising there are other aspects to it: aspects that have real practice value.
In our findings, we present eight core concepts from attachment theory and research. These concepts support thinking about children’s relational needs and behaviour, caregiving characteristics, and broader contextual factors. We argue that these concepts are particularly relevant for social work with children and families and should form the basis of teaching on attachment.
We also address prevalent myths about attachment, to help protect students from misinformation and simplistic accounts, and support them to challenge misuses of attachment theory. Our recommended curriculum update aims to help trainee social workers appreciate the value of attachment theory for their practice and use the theory in helpful and appropriate ways.
The article draws attention to what the theory can tell us about children’s universal needs and important caregiver behaviour. It presents contemporary understandings of the value of attachment networks and the synergies that can be found in considering caregiving in conjunction with the broader social and economic context for families. We highlight how much misinformation on attachment theory is in circulation, and offer a supplement containing a curated list of trusted resources, includes many books and articles that are free to access.
Our aim as authors is that the article will support practitioners to see the value of attachment theory for their practice and use the theory in helpful and appropriate ways. We hope that CoramBAAF members will feel encouraged to take a look, whether you are an advocate of using attachment theory or an arch critic. Reading the article may provide you with a fresh view of attachment theory or may give useful reassurance regarding the ways you currently understand and use it.
Robbie Duschinsky, Head of the Applied Social Sciences Group at Cambridge University.
Recommended resources
Learning from Research: Attachment Theory- New developments and perspectives (Webinar recording)
Explanations of Attachment Theoretical Concepts
Attachment handbook for foster care and adoption (CoramBAAF)
Attachment, trauma and resilience (CoramBAAF)
The secure base model (CoramBAAF)