Why Attachment Matters

Resources

Here you will find resources relating to: Young Adulthood to Across The Lifespan, Education, Parenting and Caregiving; Power, Inequality, Diversity and Inclusion; Public Health and Social Policy.  We will be adding resources for Children and Young People. We are continuing to build our resource bank across all Why Attachment Matters topics so please get in touch if you have resources and/or would like to contribute.

For Children and Young People

If you are a child or young person and you are curious about what attachment in action means for living and for learning then this is the place to find out. We will explain what attachment relationships are about, why they are important not only in children’s development but throughout life. There are resources to read, watch and listen to, and links to other websites you might find helpful.

In Early Years

We are born relational, seeking comfort and joy from our caregivers. We know from theory, research and parenting practice that the early years are very important. Here you will find resources that explain the processes of attachment. If you have other resources please let us know.

In Young Adulthood to Across The Lifespan

We are born relational. Our needs for comfort and protection do not disappear as we reach adulthood. Whether you are 18 or 108 (!) most of us have special people we turn to at moments of need – friends, partners or family members. Often such relationships are mutually supportive, we are attachment figures for each other.   We find out who we are, how we want to be, how we want to change, through our relationships.  Here are resources for information and reflection on why attachment matters from young adulthood right across the lifespan.

In Education

Scottish Education is distinctive in that it has long had a key focus on wellbeing. Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) emphasises the ‘importance of nurturing learners to help them develop the knowledge and skills they need for positive mental, emotional, social and physical wellbeing at school, in their everyday lives which will be sustained into adult life’.  We know that education practitioners have a key role in our children’s lives. Here is information and also resources concerning attachment informed, trauma sensitive educational practice.

In Parenting and Caregiving

Whether you are a parent, a foster carer, a kinship carer or a residential worker with a parenting role here you will find information and resources about the attachment process:  the different attachment styles; the barriers to secure attachment relationships; what is trauma and how trauma can impact of on the way children and young people feel, think and behave; recovery from trauma.  Practical parenting suggestions are offered including , importantly, how to look after yourself.

In Power, Inequality, Diversity and Inclusion

We passionately believe in the values of social inclusion and promote that everyone is treated equally without discrimination regardless of their identity or circumstance. Cultural differences, poverty, life events, mental health issues, physical or intellectual difficulties may increase the vulnerability and neediness of any of us and this might make us more dependent on the emotional or physical support of those we trust whether on a permanent or temporary basis.  How does attachment theory in action intersect with understanding power and inequality, and also support diversity and inclusion? You’ll find a range of information and resources here.

In Public health and Social Policy

Over the course of the last 20 years in Scotland, there has been a growing recognition that attachment matters in all areas of life. Developing a political, social and emotional environment where individuals, groups, communities and workplaces can feel connected and a sense of belonging is vital to our wellbeing. Attachment theory can help us recognise the importance of community and connection and the negative consequences for individuals and groups when these are lacking. Here you will find resources that help us to consider how we create societal and professional systems and structures that support the development of this type of community and connection.  

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