What is the Role of Attachment in Contemporary Psychotherapy? A Grounded Theory Exploration of the Perspective of Experienced Psychologists
PhD Thesis
Osthoff, A. 2016. What is the Role of Attachment in Contemporary Psychotherapy? A Grounded Theory Exploration of the Perspective of Experienced Psychologists. PhD Thesis University of East London School of Psychology https://doi.org/10.15123/PUB.5159
Authors | Osthoff, A. |
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Type | PhD Thesis |
Abstract | Since Bowlby devised his theory of attachment, originally for clinical purposes, refinements and extensions have developed its clinical utility. The research question asked how experienced contemporary clinicians now perceive the role of attachment in the formulation and treatment of distress by reference to their clinical work. Using grounded theory methodology, underpinned by a relativist, moderate social constructionist epistemology, initial sampling consisted of 16 in-depth interviews with experienced clinicians. The tentative theoretical categories that emerged were then developed in theoretical sampling in further interviews with 5 of the initial interviewees. The final theoretical categories to emerge concerned the prevalence of caregiver-related problems, the provision of safety together with the prioritisation The implications of this are manifold. To begin with, attachment theorists have largely failed to bring the potential now offered by attachment-related therapeutic interventions to the market. This situation makes it incumbent on the next generation of attachment researchers to more clearly articulate techniques with which clinicians, of whatever theoretical orientation, can better leverage attachment-related knowledge in their clinical work. In this enterprise, perhaps the knowledge and experience of expert clinicians could be harvested, as this research has done. Moreover, researchers must expand the evidence base that such interventions actually work. Beyond the implications for clinical utility and efficacy, the findings strengthen counselling psychology’s influence on society’s perception and treatment of attachment-related problems. |
Year | 2016 |
Publisher | University of East London |
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) | https://doi.org/10.15123/PUB.5159 |
Publication dates | |
May 2016 | |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 02 Aug 2016 |
Accepted | May 2016 |
Publisher's version | License CC BY-NC-ND |
https://repository.uel.ac.uk/item/85130
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