Mini Review: Attachment Representations of Adoptive and Foster Parents

Abstract

The present study outlines the importance of adoptive and foster parents’ attachment representations in the subsequent development of their child. Attachment representation distributions of these samples are presented and discussed, and implications for social work are presented. Notably, attachment security of adoptive parents ranges between 35.9% and 76% and preoccupation ranges from 0 to 10%. The review suggests social workers should pay special attention to the way parents discuss early relationships and experiences of past loss or trauma.