How Applicable is Attachment Theory Globally and Culturally and What Are the Implications for Social Services and Psychotherapy

Bicknell, Sean (2025) How Applicable is Attachment Theory Globally and Culturally and What Are the Implications for Social Services and Psychotherapy. Masters thesis, University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

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Abstract

It has been more than 50 years since John Bowlby’s theory of attachment was first introduced into the framework of social and behaviour science. Originally used to explain the child’s emotional connection to caregivers, it was quickly expanded to encompass topics such as developmental continuity and change, public policy, developmental psychopathology, romantic relationships and childcare protection. Bowlby also described the attachment system that is active over the entire lifetime of the individual. His theory has offered significant insight into the early years of human experience, yet many of the assumptions that underpin attachment are now considered contestable. At the heart of attachment theory is the claim that it is universally applicable, and it has a major influence on the perceived norms of how children should be raised. One of the most long-standing debates on attachment theory is its application to non-Western communities. There is some support for the universality of attachment theory, however, there is a limited amount of research into cross-culture studies, and it has been suggested that Bowlby’s Attachment Theory represents the Western middle-class perspective, and completely ignores the parental values and practises of the majority of the world. This research looked at the dangers of applying Western theoretical perspectives to non-industrial cultures and families. It found that the misuse and misconception of Attachment Theory has been used by Western social care services to the detriment of indigenous families and communities, whose parenting practices are more likely to involve wider family and community care models. From a therapeutic standpoint this is important, as the therapist needs to be mindful of applying the Theory of Attachment, which is seen as appropriate for the Western world, but may not work for people from other cultures.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Attachment theory, Bowlby, Alloparenting, sensitive parenting, culture, child protection, colonisation, child custody, attachment-based interventions, mother-infant relationship, cross-culture, therapy, attachment disorders, social work, psychotherapy.
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions:	Theses and Dissertations > Masters Dissertations
Depositing User:	Victoria Hankinson
Date Deposited:	13 Mar 2025 10:16
Last Modified:	13 Mar 2025 10:16
URI:	https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/3648

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