Security and the social mind: attachment and therapeutic communities
Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities
ISSN: 0964-1866
Article publication date: 13 April 2015
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe some of the basic features of attachment theory, and explore how they relate to the development of the “social mind” and the work of therapeutic communities (TC).
Design/methodology/approach
The author describes the essentials of attachment theory in humans; and the development of both secure and insecure states of mind. The author will set out how insecure attachment systems are associated with deficits in mentalising processes which are fundamental to the activity of the social mind.
Findings
The author suggests how attachment to a TC can promote mentalising processes. The author draws on the work of other speakers in the conclusions about how to “grow” secure minds and societies.
Research limitations/implications
This paper is a brief over view only and does not address attachment process to TC in any depth.
Practical implications
Attachment theory could help both service users and therapists who work in TCs understand some of the difficulties people have in engaging at the start. Attachment theory also gives a guide to what a “good enough” experience in a TC might look like.
Originality/value
There is little existing discussion of the application of attachment theory to TCs.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author is grateful to Dr Steve Pearce for his editorial assistance.
Citation
Adshead, G. (2015), "Security and the social mind: attachment and therapeutic communities", Therapeutic Communities: The International Journal of Therapeutic Communities, Vol. 36 No. 1, pp. 12-20. https://doi.org/10.1108/TC-02-2015-0009
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited