Attachment is the bond that occurs between a child and their primary caregiver. It’s the role of the primary caregiver to care for and meet the various wants and needs of the child so that they feel secure and cared for.

Attachment trauma can occur whenever there is a disruption in the bond that occurs between a child and their primary caregiver. Even though attachment trauma typically occurs at a younger age, it can have a long-lasting impact on a person’s ability to form and maintain relationships with others.

Some of the other negative effects of attachment trauma include being impulsive, difficulty trusting others, managing emotions, and lower self-esteem.

Let’s learn more about some of the common causes of attachment trauma.

Abuse

Abuse during childhood can be one of the leading causes of the development of an attachment disorder, insecure attachment, and attachment trauma. This abuse during childhood could be emotional, physical, or sexual. Due to the abuse that occurred during childhood, a child will have a more difficult time forming a healthy bond or any bond at all with the person who is supposed to be their caregiver.

Family Conflict

Domestic violence or violence in a child’s community as they’re growing up can contribute to attachment trauma as well. Children involved in family conflict may witness physical violence in their own homes or neighborhoods. They will have a harder time feeling safe and secure. Their home, which is supposed to be their safe space, and their primary caregivers, who are supposed to provide for them and make them feel safe, will not meet these basic needs.

Inconsistency

You’ve probably heard of it being necessary for a baby to be on a schedule. They have consistent times for feedings, diaper changes, and sleep. A child depends on this same set schedule. If a child can’t depend on or rely on their primary caregiver to meet their basic needs, it can lead to an attachment disorder. An insecure attachment happens when a child does not feel safe, secure, or have any trust in their primary caregiver.

Neglect

Neglect is another common cause of attachment trauma in children. Children depend on their primary caretakers to meet their basic human needs. They need their caregiver to provide them with food, water, and shelter. Physical neglect in childhood means not having these basic needs met. A child in this circumstance may not have a consistent schedule or routine or know when their next meal will be. They may even be left to fend for themselves.

Traumatic Events

Attachment trauma can also be formed through traumatic life experiences. Being separated from a parent or a primary caregiver can lead to attachment trauma. Situations like a divorce or a forced separation are typically prime examples of these types of life events. Other traumatic events like a disability in the household, substance use or abuse, illness, injury, or issues from postpartum depression can also contribute to a child developing an attachment disorder.

How to Heal

If you or a loved one are struggling with an attachment disorder, insecure attachment style, or attachment trauma, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. You may not have been able to pick or control what happened to you in your past, but you’re in full control of your future. These negative events and traumas didn’t happen overnight. This means that you may not see immediate results from life changes or attending therapy. That being said, small steps can lead to big results. With the right amount of time and dedication, you can find ways to move forward in your life again. Reach out to us today to see how we can help.