Attachment in adolescence: Assessment methods, findings and their relevance for psychotherapeutic care Bindung im Jugendalter: Übersicht über Methoden zu deren Erfassung, Befunde und ihre Relevanz für die psychotherapeutische Versorgung

Behringer J, Festini JS (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

DOI: 10.1007/s00278-025-00810-4

Abstract

Based on the research situation on the relevance of attachment for mental disorders and psychotherapy in adulthood, this overview article examines the situation in research with adolescents. The various methods for the narrative-based assessment of attachment characteristics in adolescents are presented. These methods are primarily based on the evaluation criteria of the adult attachment interview but also consider aspects relevant to developmental psychology. The findings from these methods currently focus on associations with various mental disorders, e.g., personality disorders and, as in research with adults, identify insecure preoccupied and unresolved (U) attachment status (“U category”) with respect to trauma or loss as risk factors for association with mental disorder; however, research on the impact of specific attachment patterns on psychotherapeutic processes and outcomes is still in its infancy in the adolescent age group, thus revealing a significant research gap. Using evaluation criteria from the aforementioned narrative-based methods, such as emotional openness, idealization/devaluation and coherence, criteria are specified for the analysis of narratives not only those used for scientific purposes but also those encountered in the psychotherapeutic practice.

Authors with CRIS profile

Julia Sarah Festini Lehrstuhl für Entwicklungspsychologie und Pädagogische Psychologie

Involved external institutions

Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Behringer, J., & Festini, J.S. (2025). Attachment in adolescence: Assessment methods, findings and their relevance for psychotherapeutic care Bindung im Jugendalter: Übersicht über Methoden zu deren Erfassung, Befunde und ihre Relevanz für die psychotherapeutische Versorgung. . https://doi.org/10.1007/s00278-025-00810-4

MLA:

Behringer, Johanna, and Julia Sarah Festini. "Attachment in adolescence: Assessment methods, findings and their relevance for psychotherapeutic care Bindung im Jugendalter: Übersicht über Methoden zu deren Erfassung, Befunde und ihre Relevanz für die psychotherapeutische Versorgung." (2025).

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