The theory of attachment focuses on relationships between people. These can include relationships with The theory of attachment focuses on relationships between people. These can include relationships with our parents, romantic partners, friendships, coworkers, and anyone else in our lives. Attachments are usually shaped by the bond between a child and their caregiver during early development.
The need for children to create bonds with parents often influences their attachment throughout the rest of their lives. Young adults who struggle with trauma in childhood may see the effects of attachment issues come to the surface during their teenage years or in early adulthood, impacting their relationships, mental health, and daily functioning.
Trauma’s Impact on Attachment
Developing a secure attachment is essential for positive young adult mental health. The impact of early attachment trauma can influence several areas of one’s life, wreaking havoc on a young adult’s mental state, patterns of behavior, relationships with others, and even physical health.
People who experience attachment trauma are at an increased risk of several mental health disorders, including:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood Disorders (eg. bipolar)
- PTSD & Complex PTSD
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Dissociative Identity Disorder
- Substance Abuse
What is Attachment Trauma?
Attachment trauma often happens in the early developmental years, when the attachment bond between a child and their caregiver or a loved one is disrupted. This can lead to disorganized attachment rather than secure attachment, which is the foundation for healthy emotional development and relationships.
This theory was first proposed by John Bowlby, a British psychologist who described attachment as a “lasting psychological connectedness between human beings. [1]” It’s believed to be a protective mechanism and an innate way to survive, adapt, and evolve. Bowlby explored the early bonds formed in children with their caregivers and the impact they can have on the rest of one’s life, especially the role in relationships and mental health.
What Causes Attachment Trauma?
Research has shown that securely attached children become more resilient and successful adults [2]. Kids who struggle with attachment issues may struggle to get along with others, form connections, manage relationships, communicate effectively, and have difficulty with trust. Some experiences that can lead to attachment trauma include:
- Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
- Neglect
- Fear of a caregiver
- Death of a caregiver or parent in childhood
- Living in a home with domestic violence
Signs of Attachment Trauma in Adulthood
Attachment issues are an ongoing problem that can follow young adults into their adulthood. It can be challenging to recognize, with many people not knowing they have attachment problems. Some of the signs of this in adults include:
- Low self-esteem
- Trust issues
- Difficulty expressing emotions
- Struggle to show affection
- Hyperindependence or codependence
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
- Lack of sense of belonging or purpose
- Inability to form meaningful connections
- Dissociation
How to Heal from Attachment Trauma
Treating attachment trauma means diving deep into the root of one’s experiences and relationships, especially in early development. Rather than just managing symptoms, trauma-informed therapies focus on processing the experience that led to the trauma and working through emotions related to it (e.g., fear, insecurity, anger, abandonment, etc). Following are some core therapeutic approaches.
| Family Systems | Developed by Murray Bowen, this model examines family dynamics and relationships. It emphasizes how individuals are influenced by their family unit, exploring patterns like triangulation, emotional reactivity, and differentiation of self. The focus is on interpersonal relationships and generational patterns. |
| Internal Family Systems (IFS) | Developed by Richard Schwartz, IFS sees the mind as a system of sub-personalities or “parts” organized around a core “Self.” IFS therapy helps individuals access their Self to heal and harmonize these parts, addressing trauma, anxiety, and other issues through self-awareness, compassion, and integration. |
| Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) | Developed by Francine Shapiro to treat trauma and PTSD, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, to help reprocess distressing memories, reducing their emotional impact. EMDR is effective for trauma, anxiety, and other mental health challenges, promoting healing and resilience. |
| Brainspotting | Developed by David Grand, brainspotting uses eye positions, or “brainspots,” to access and process unresolved trauma and emotional distress. By focusing on specific points in the visual field, clients can tap into deep brain regions, facilitating healing and releasing stored trauma. It’s effective for trauma, anxiety, and performance enhancement. |
| Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) | Developed by Marsha Linehan, DBT is a cognitive-behavioral approach designed to help individuals manage emotions, reduce self-harm, and improve relationships. It combines mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. DBT is particularly effective for borderline personality disorder, trauma, and emotional dysregulation, fostering balance and resilience. |
| Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) | EFT is a form of psychological acupressure that involves tapping on specific meridian points while focusing on negative emotions or physical sensations. It aims to balance energy flow, reduce stress, and alleviate emotional distress, combining elements of cognitive therapy and acupuncture without needles. |
Supporting Young Adults In Their Journey to Independence
Engage Young Adult Transitions is a transitional living program and therapeutic community that assists young adults on their path to independence. Using attachment theory, we provide a foundation for forming connections, getting involved with the community, managing mental health, and building life skills for long-term success.
Located just steps from Southern Utah University in Cedar City, we offer access to services seven days a week, including academic support, vocational training and career guidance, life skill coaching, mental health therapies, and recreational activities.
Our community offers high levels of therapeutic support that honors autonomy and independence while guiding young adults to a life of freedom, emotional wellness, and success. Get involved with the Engage Transitions community today!
Sources
[1] McLeod, S. 2024. John Bowlby’s Attachment Theory. Simply Psychology.
[2] Hong YR, Park JS. Impact of attachment, temperament and parenting on human development. Korean J Pediatr. 2012 Dec;55(12):449-54.