Eastern European adoption : a theoretical study of attachment disorder through a self psychology lens

Author

Andrea Leadbetter Larkin, Smith College

Publication Date

2007

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department

School for Social Work

Abstract

This theoretical research paper focuses on both attachment theory and self psychology to examine the consequences institutions have on infant mental health. The research specifically addresses Eastern European institution infants that develop reactive attachment disorder. The research discusses the current treatment solutions for reactive attachment disorder using the two aforementioned theoretical lenses. Institution infants are an important target for research because the pathogenic care provided by institutions inherently disrupts the infants early attachment needs. The findings of this study were as follows: 1) It would benefit potential adoptive parent to participate in educational training about reactive attachment disorder. 2) Adoptees that develop reactive attachment disorder need to be treated with empathy despite the symptoms. 3) The adoptive parents need to take responsibility for getting the adoptee the mental health care that is appropriate.

Comments

85 p. Thesis (M.S.W)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2007. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 79-85).

Recommended Citation

Larkin, Andrea Leadbetter, "Eastern European adoption : a theoretical study of attachment disorder through a self psychology lens" (2007). Masters Thesis, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/theses/428