Care practices and approaches with children experiencing attachment difficulties: A scoping review

Abstract

Attachment difficulties in children are linked to negative outcomes including psychiatric disorders, low self-esteem, and socioemotional difficulties. A scoping review was performed to identify evidence-informed care practices and approaches healthcare providers can employ when caring for children with attachment difficulties. Twenty articles were included. Beneficial approaches include: increasing care providers’ knowledge of attachment theories; fostering a better understanding of children’s needs; limiting the use of behaviour-modification approaches; implementing clinical and organizational practices drawing from attachment theory that avoid restraint use; and adopting attitudes that promote healthy attachment. Ethical considerations raised by these practices are discussed.