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Living on an island: consequences of childhood abuse, attachment disruption and adversity in later life
Author(s) -
Frederick John,
Goddard Chris
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
child and family social work
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.912
H-Index - 57
eISSN - 1365-2206
pISSN - 1356-7500
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2206.2008.00554.x
Subject(s) - psychology , grief , intervention (counseling) , developmental psychology , adverse childhood experiences , qualitative research , childhood abuse , attachment theory , child abuse , suicide prevention , psychiatry , poison control , medicine , mental health , medical emergency , social science , sociology
This paper reports on a study which sought to obtain greater knowledge and understanding of the life circumstances of a group of people who had experienced adversity and abuse in childhood. A qualitative research strategy involving in‐depth interviews with individuals was used to help achieve the study's aim. The study found that interviewees detailed multiple risks to their development during childhood and adolescence, including experiences of child abuse, being placed in care and major grief and loss experiences. Most had left home in their mid‐teenage years and had little or no contact with their families of origin. Interviewees had very limited social networks and described difficulties in making and keeping friends. Many reported unstable and often violent personal relationships. As suggested by attachment theory, this study supports the notion of developmental continuities from adverse childhood experiences into later life, particularly in relation to personal and social relationships. Recommendations for a number of suitable methods of intervention and support are outlined.