Recap
The case study revolves around Timothy would had trouble relating with other people around him. Timothy was troublesome as early as 26 months where he would hurt himself by banging his head on the floor or biting himself as a way of expressing anger. His violence towards his parents grew and appeared to worsen when he was taken for daycare. In early elementary years, Timothy was detached from the rest of the students and had trouble concentrating in class. With his preference of being secluded, teachers found it hard to help him relating with other students. At some point in his adolescent years, he was suspended for fighting with another student.
The Attachment Theory
The attachment theory is an important concept in developmental psychology. It defines the role that attachment plays when it comes to personal development. Based on the argument by John Bowlby, the attachment theory holds that the ability of an individual to form emotional and physical attachments to another person provides them with the stability as well as security necessary for physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development ( Sroufe, 2016) . For children, the attachment theory holds that a strong emotional and physical attachment to a primary caregiver is important to personal development. The behavior a child has is learned from the environment, and the fact that Timothy is used to violence as a way to solve things means that he reacts violently when he is upset. As a result, he is ready to harm himself when told no and kicks any adult who attempts to approach him. Timothy experienced not only spanking from his parents but also his caregiver. It is also evident that the parents were away most of the times and Timothy did not have time to bond with them. They were also not sensitive to his needs as spanking was used as a way to prevent him from asking his parents for certain things.
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Attachment security is one of the important tenets of the attachment theory. Secure attachment usually occurs when the children have a feeling that they can rely on their caregivers. Children rely on caregivers for the needs of proximity, protection, and emotional support. Research shows that secure attachment forms the best foundation in regards to physical health, emotional, cognitive, and social development ( Sroufe, 2016) . A securely attached child is usually curious and takes an interest in exploring the environment. Having a secure attachment frees the mind to learn as they can concentrate. A secure attachment is the first connection that enables a child to learn. Having trust in the parent makes it easier for the child to seek assistance from their parents. Timothy did not have a secure attachment, as the parents were insensitive to his needs. Instead of them showing interest in his needs, he was spanked as a way of punishment. The only learning that Timothy had was that of solving things using violence as his parents were always fighting. This meant that Timothy was not able to concentrate as he was insecure and could not concentrate.
Children who have been brought up in a securely attached family also tend to be more socially constructed and have less aggression in their behavior. These children are also empathetic and show greater creativity as well as persistence in dealing with some of the challenges that they may be facing. They also find it easier to learn and can deal with stressful conditions better as compared to those who have been insecurely attached in their upbringing. Lack of secure attachment by Timothy meant that he was unable to develop social networks with anyone. He felt insecure when around others and only played alone. He also had an aggressive behavior towards others including adults. When he was eleven years, he was found to have difficulties reading and writing and was suspended for hitting another student for just a minor disagreement. Therefore, Timothy could not cope with stress as well as other students who grew up in a more surely attached environment.
Secure attachment has a positive impact on physical health; overworked physiological systems related to stress influences health negatively. A body can reduce wear and tear because of secure attachment minimizing the effects of stress. Securely attached children can form relationships with others and retain those relationships for some time. This was different in the case of Timothy. He lacked supplies when going to school and he usually did not have his homework finished. This was an indication that his parents did not take any interests in his needs. He resulted in isolation and violence, as he did not the ability to show social competence. His emotional development was also poor as dealing with stress was difficult for him; instead of solving things amicably, he resorted to hitting others as he had learned from his parents.
Discuss factors that affect attachment security
Based on the Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Model argues that the microsystem has an impact on a child's development. In this case, Timothy spent most of his time in a daycare where he was not able to get the best care possible, and the caregiver did not appreciate his needs. The caregivers used to spank him as a way of punishment. The environment he lives in at home prevents him from getting the right food and getting parents who took more interest in his education ( Atilola, 2017) . During his elementary years, he came to school without some supplies and did not have an interest in education. His parents were always busy and had no way they could change his life because of poverty. The disagreements between the parents had an impact on his life based on the mesosystem part of the model. The economic situation of his parents was such that the parents could not provide for Timothy's physical needs. This has a negative effect on the child in regards to self-esteem and his relationship with others in class. Therefore, he was not able to learn well due to lack of supplies. The poor quality of childcare affects how he related to his peers.
Disordered Attachment
It seems that Timothy is separated from his parents and they are not involved in his developments. Instead of them responding to his needs, they spank him. Consequently, Timothy has learned the art of using violence from his parents ( Troutman, 2016) . This explains why he showed disorganized attachment as he lacked attachment behavior. He was not able to form friendships and reacted violently when an adult when upset approached him. This shows that he did not have a secure attachment with his parents and caregivers. For instance, the caregivers in the daycare spanked him and did not change him on time.
Treatments Available
As an infant, the parents need to be sensitive to the needs of the child. The parents need to read the signals of the child and respond as quickly as they can. This is helpful before the child can learn how to communicate with ease ( Sroufe, 2016) . Being sensitive to his needs would mean that instead of spanking Timothy, the parents should try to provide him what he wants. Spending time with him is another way to assist him as a toddler to be able to attain secure attachment.
The other treatment that can help promote secure attachment is being involved in his interests. For example, the parents can be present, interactive, and engaged with him. Being engaged with him helps in ensuring that the parent can assist him to deal with his homework and other challenges he is dealing with ( Troutman, 2016) . The parent can also take an interest in his hobbies such as puzzles and games. This gives him a sense of love and appreciation from his parents and hence the development of a secure attachment. As an adolescent, the parents need to be affectionate when talking to him in regards to his behavior. Physical punishment at this age may not help him deal with his problems and following his interests will bring him closer to the parents.
Strategy at Each Stage of Timothy's Development to Promote Secure Attachment
The case study shows clearly that Timothy responded violently and negatively to the aspect of missing his parents from his childhood. To remedy the situation, they should have shown him some love and expressing caring actions. He also needed to be controlled if he engaged in actions that would endanger his life. In elementary school, the teacher and the parents should have helped Timothy by talking to him about the need of having friends. A caregiver should also have been selected to ensure that he was prepared well for schooling by eliminating any troubles that would hamper his concentration. While at school, and where possible, the teacher should have set some time to play with him and encourage some few students to play with him. The strategy would enable Timothy to open up and make friend with other students. At the adolescence stage, anyone can receive and respond to instructions positively. Therefore, the parents and the teachers should have focused in counseling Timothy and being perceptive of his needs instead of taking the harsh decision of suspending him ( Troutman, 2016) .
References
Atilola, O. (2017). Child mental-health policy development in sub-Saharan Africa: broadening the perspectives using Bronfenbrenner's ecological model. Health promotion international , 32 (2), 380-391.
Sroufe, L. A. (2016). Attachment theory: A humanistic approach for research and practice across cultures. In Attachment Across Clinical and Cultural Perspectives (pp. 23-49). Routledge.
Troutman, B. R. (2016). 6.77 Integrating Behaviorism and Attachment Theory in Addressing Disruptive Behavior. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry , 55 (10), S229.
