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Attachment narrative therapy: integrating ideas from narrative and attachment theory in systemic family therapy with eating disorders
Author(s) -
Dallos Rudi
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
journal of family therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.52
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1467-6427
pISSN - 0163-4445
DOI - 10.1111/j.1467-6427.2004.00266.x
Subject(s) - systemic therapy , narrative , family therapy , attachment theory , feeling , narrative therapy , psychology , psychotherapist , context (archaeology) , anorexia nervosa , transgenerational epigenetics , eating disorders , developmental psychology , clinical psychology , social psychology , medicine , linguistics , philosophy , paleontology , offspring , genetics , pregnancy , cancer , breast cancer , biology
Abstract This paper proposes that recent developments in attachment theory, especially the move to the study of representations, offers some helpful new directions for systemic family therapy. Some of the findings of a close association between early attachment experiences and the coherence of the narratives are reviewed. It is suggested that this offers a useful link for systemic approaches in showing how early interactions in families promote not only particular emotional attachment patterns, but also shape the content and style of the narratives that are formed. These implications are then explored in the context of work with anorexia nervosa. It is suggested that commonly observed patterns, such as avoidance of conflict and apparent difficulties in discussing relationships and feelings, is consistent with transgenerational experiences of insecure/avoidant attachments. Some implications for systemic therapy with families are outlined and an illustrative case study is offered.