Abstract
Secure attachment with a caregiver creates a foundation for psychological stability and fosters resilience in the face of future experiences of undue stress. In the face of unavailable, abusive or emotionally disconnected attachment figures, developing children are increasingly vulnerable in ways that deleteriously impact their quality of life and mental health across the life span. Further, the lack of secure attachment in combination with traumatic experiences increases the risk of antisocial and criminal behavior. In light of this pathway to offending behavior, criminal justice and forensic mental health professionals have an opportunity to better recognize the critical significance of disrupted attachment and individual trauma history in order to reduce the likelihood of future criminal behavior.
Recommended Citation
Barnes, Diana and Brown, Jerrod
(2016)
"Attachment and Trauma-Related Problems: Implications for Criminal Justice and Forensic Mental Health Professionals,"
Forensic Scholars Today: Vol. 2:
Iss.
2, Article 4.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/forensic_scholars_today/vol2/iss2/4