Attachment of vulnerable adolescents in residential facilities in the Czech Republic

Abstract

We are presenting some of the results of a study that examined the prevalence of attachment styles among children with emotional behavioral disorders (EBD) from special educational residential facilities in the Czech Republic. The development of EBD that brought these children into residential facilities was influenced by a variety of factors. One of such risk factors can be an attachment disorder influencing behavior, socialization and resilience. The aim of the research was to determine the prevalence of attachment style, anxiety and avoidance of vulnerable adolescents towards father and mother as possible determinants of behavioral disorders. The research group consisted of 204 respondents aged 15–19 years. The respondents were clients from 15 residential facilities from all over the Czech Republic. We used the ECR-RS self-assessment questionnaire containing 36 items to determine attachment to emotional targets (mother/ father). We processed the data using descriptive statistical procedures using the ANOVA or Spearman coefficient procedure. Findings regarding attachment indicate a high degree of avoidance and anxiety in vulnerable adolescents. In most respondents, an insecure attachment is prevalent. The most represented is preoccupied attachment to the mother in 36%. Only 14% of the examined adolescents formed a secure attachment to the mother. Complex intervention and psychotherapy should focus on alleviating anxiety and avoidance, developing a secure attachment, and enhancing the resilient qualities of vulnerable adolescents.