The impact of attachment styles on the mental health of children

Abstract

Attachment styles continue to impact children and their mental health for life which in turn could impact all the relationships they may form or that they may have an inability to form or struggle to form. Attachment styles have been linked to internalising issues such as anxiety and depression, externalising behaviour like aggression, behavioural issues, poor social skills and various other conditions in children. Several studies have found a correlation between attachment styles and mental health in children; however more research must take place and more awareness needs to be raised. Therefore, the following research question was developed: What is the impact of attachment styles on the mental health of children? Inclusion criteria involved peer reviewed, English studies, from within the last 10 years on minors from the ages of 0 to 18 from any geographical region. Exclusion criteria involved non-peer reviewed, non-English studies, from later than 10 years ago. The search acquired 6 cross-sectional studies which were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The results showed that attachment styles indeed impacted children and their mental health in various ways. Attachment and attachment styles, parenting and parenting styles, and mental health issues such as depression, were all recurring themes that could be found throughout. Several authors suggested parental support and training in parenting, or even child therapy could all help children with issues with attachment styles and mental health. In the care plan for the child or the family, the child‟s perspective should actively be considered.