Unpredictable Caregiving: How Disorganized Attachment Shapes Children

Disorganized attachment develops when children experience unpredictable caregiving, creating a template where they can't anticipate how adults will respond and must constantly adjust their behavior to stay safe.

• Disorganized attachment characterized by unpredictable caregiving—loving one day, absent the next, angry another
• Children develop hypervigilance, constantly assessing situations and people to determine safety
• The phrase "if it's hysterical, it's historical" helps understand disproportionate reactions
• Disorganized attachment affects only 2-5% of general population but 80% of at-risk populations
• Children may resist stability because predictability feels threatening and unfamiliar
• Progress requires patience, consistency and time—it's not linear and setbacks are normal
• Caregivers need strong support systems as this work is emotionally demanding
• Safe, predictable responses from caregivers gradually help children build new neural pathways

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Music:
"Shine" -Newsboys
CCS License No. 9402

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to Disorganized Attachment
• 4:34 What Is Disorganized Attachment?
• 9:15 Impact on Behavior and Relationships
• 16:29 Disorganized Attachment in Young Children
• 22:28 Prevalence and At-Risk Populations
• 27:20 Intervention Strategies and Healing
• 32:00 Conclusion and Key Takeaways