CNDV 5301: HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

STUDENT NAME: _Erika Francis SECTION NUMBER: C06
ASSIGNMENT #2: The Early Years
Activity 2: Attachment and Adoption
Question #1: As noted in the reading, Marcovitch et al. (1997) found relatively low rates of secure attachment among children adopted from Romanian orphanages and their adoptive mothers. Specifically, they found that 30% of the adopted children were securely attached, compared to 42% of a comparison sample of biologically related (raised at home) mother−child pairs. [Full reference: Marcovitch, S. G., Gold, A., Washington, J., Wasson, C., Krekewich, K., & Handley-Derry, M. (1997). Determinants of behavioral problems in Romanian children adopted in Ontario. International Journal of …show more content…

The children adopted earlier on had the opportunity to bond, feel emotions, and develop during that infant stage with their adoptive parents. They have a feeling of safety when with them. Children who are adopted after the 8 months are having to get to know a stranger and may have unsafe feelings towards the adoptive parents.

Question #3: Using the intergenerational transmission of attachment presented in Chapter Four, please discuss the transmission sequence as it applies to the case of Angela (page 165). Describe two interventions you would suggest to help members of this family.
Angela struggles to build attachment, bond, and a relationship with her son Adam due to the strained relationship she has had and still currently has with her mother Sarah. According to Broderick and Blewitt, attachment theorists have argued that victims of unresolved childhood trauma may have particular difficulty helping their infants regulate their emotions. Angela continues to hold her mother responsible for the absence of her father in her life. Therefore, this has caused Angela to repeat the same cycle (absent father & single mother) with her son Adam’s father. Although, Angela performs parenting duties and responsibilities for Adam, she is not connecting with him because of her own emotional detachments to both of her parents. Angela is just going through the motions. For Angela her caregiving history is marked by