Systemic attachment theory and therapeutic practice: A proposal

The fundamentals of attachment theory and family systems theory are outlined in this paper. Theoretical strengths and weaknesses of both approaches are discussed. First, the similarities of both approaches are analysed (focus on family relationships; focus on normal as well as disturbed development; status as metatheoretical perspectives). Then, the differences are outlined (empirical consolidation versus speculative theory development; integration versus abandonment of the concept of 'personality'; normativity versus non-normativity; deficit orientation versus resource orientation; dyadic versus triadic view; focus on past and present time versus focus on present and future). Finally, an integrative proposal of a systemic attachment theory is presented. It includes the following main positions: (1) Attachment needs are inborn and of vital importance for humans of all ages. (2) Relationship experiences are internalized and shape the personality. (3) Inner working models of attachment tend to remain stable, but it is possible to change them through new relationship experiences. (4) Attachment can be conceptualized as having an intrapsychic as well as an interpersonal dimension. (5) Internal models and interpersonal relationships influence each other. (6) Focus on normativity and resource orientation. (7) Focus on the present and future, with limited consideration of the past. (8) Sensitivity for losses and 'inherited trauma'. (9) Triadic view. Research implications (focus on triadic interactions, on inner working models of attachment, and on interrelationships between both) and clinical-psychotherapeutic implications are derived from this proposal. Bowlby's (1979) recommendations for individual therapy are extended to couples/family therapy and supplemented by a competence-based basic attitude, flexibility of therapy setting, sensitivity for 'inherited trauma' and sensitivity for complex triadic relationships. Copyright (C) 2002 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.