Insecure family bases and adolescent drug abuse: A new approach to family patterns of attachment

Abstract

A new approach to assessing family attachment patterns is presented, using a composite measure of individual attachment representations based on the Bartholomew Attachment Interview. A cluster analysis yielded three different patterns in a sample of N = 37 families with a drug dependent adolescent (age 14 - 25) and both biological parents. A "triangulated" pattern (mothers: preoccupied; fathers: dismissing; adolescents: fearful) was found in 65% of the sample. A total of 19% showed an "insecure" pattern (mothers, fathers, and adolescents: fearful) and 16% a "near-secure" pattern (mothers and adolescents: secure; fathers preoccupied). Preliminary comparisons between these groups indicate differences in comorbid psychiatric disorders, in individual and family functioning, but not in addiction severity. There is a trend towards differences in outcome of family therapy. Implications for treatment and further research are discussed.

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