The Relationship Between Mothers Attachment Orientations And Their Infants Sleep Patterns
Diana Cohenca-Shiby
1Department of Behavioral Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
Abstract
Objective. In this paper we examine the association between mothers attachment style and their infants sleep patterns. We hypothesized that low levels of anxiety and avoidance attachment orientations would enable the mother to use more efficient strategies to put her infant to sleep, and in time the infant will assimilate these strategies and consequently develop suitable and more independent sleep routines. Participants and Measures. The 125 mothers who participated in this study completed a measure of attachment orientations and a measure of mothers perception of their infants sleep patterns. Results. The results indicated that the greater the mothers avoidance attachment orientation is, the longer it takes to put the child to bed at night, the more wakeful the child is at night, and the more the night wakings are. However, for mothers with high anxiety attachment orientation, there is a positive correlation between childs age and the time it takes to put him/her to bed, such that the older the child, the longer it takes. . The implications of the parent strategies for putting infants to bed on infants sleep patterns are discussed. Suggestions for future studies examining broader implications of the results are offered.
1. Introduction
1.1. Sleeping and Falling Asleep Patterns and Attachment Orientations
2. Method
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Research For A Treatment
Recognition of the disorder is now improving, as knowledge among mental health professionals grows. A world-first study, led by Associate Professor Manicavasagar, is now underway at the University of New South Wales to establish an evidence-based treatment for ASAD.
Further research may examine the factors that contribute to the development of adult separation anxiety disorder. Some researchers suggest it may be connected to loss or grief, but more research is required.
For those finding that an irrational desire for constant contact with a loved one is affecting their life, Associate Professor Manicavasagar recommends consulting an appropriate psychologist. An experienced professional will be able to use cognitive behaviour therapy to examine the thoughts underpinning the concern. They will help suffers build skills to manage anxiety and its symptoms.
The Anxiety Workbook For Teens: Activities To Help You Deal With Anxiety And Worry Lisa M Schab Lcsw
This book is geared toward teenagers who are experiencing anxiety. It is structured like a journal, explaining the sensations that cause a teen to feel anxious. Following each explanation, there is an activity in a journal format, where teenagers are invited to draw or write about their feelings.
One activity that would be good for teenagers specifically experiencing separation anxiety is in Chapter 2: The Chemistry of Anxiety. If teenagers are experiencing separation anxiety about going to school or completing other activities independently , this may be a good therapeutic exercise for them.
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Key Points About Separation Anxiety Disorder In Children
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SAD is a type of mental health problem. A child with SAD worries a lot about being apart from family members or other close people.
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The cause of SAD is both biological and environmental.
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Symptoms of SAD are more severe than the normal separation anxiety that nearly every child has to some degree between the ages of 18 months and 3 years of age.
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A child must have symptoms that last at least 4 weeks to be considered SAD.
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A mental health evaluation is needed to diagnose SAD.
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Treatment includes therapy and medicines.
Treatments For Anxiety And Sleep
Fortunately, both anxiety and insomnia are treatable. The best strategy for achieving an optimal therapeutic outcome is to determine which condition developed first and treat it.
Both the known sleep deprivation symptoms and causes of anxiety can be treated with medication, as well as non-pharmaceutically. However, in some cases, a combined approach might be the best possible option.
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Tip# : Practice Mindfulness
Anxiety feeds on your fears and perceived threats. Whenever you focus on what youre afraid of, you give anxiety an opportunity to overwhelm you. To overcome this, try and practice mindfulness techniques to help you focus on the here and now. These techniques also keep your mind from spiraling out of control and keep you grounded.
Technology Masks The Problem
She said: Technology can mask the existence of the disorder. Text messages and video calls give sufferers the means to be in constant contact with the object of their attention in a way that is socially acceptable.
Problems occur when separation from the loved one causes such anxiety that quality of life seriously suffers. Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, difficulty sleeping and nightmares. It may even prompt panic attacks which, unaddressed, may lead to panic disorder and can be mistaken for agoraphobia.
Fellow mental health professionals were at first sceptical of the new diagnosis. Work conducted over the course of almost 20 years some of it with a research team based in the US led by Dr Katherine Shear has since confirmed the existence of ASAD.
The pioneering work of the Australian researchers was recognised when the disorder was included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , one of the key references for psychiatric diagnosis. Previously this maintained that separation anxiety disorder was experienced only by the young.
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What Causes Adult Separation Anxiety Disorder
There is still no single cause identified which contributes to the development of separation anxiety in adults. However, it is believed that a mix of certain factors leads to the development of this psychological disorder. Genetics, environmental factors, as well as, psychological factors seem to play an important role.
- When it comes to genetics, researchers have found that about 73% of individuals diagnosed with adult separation anxiety disorder had a family history of mental health. This leads to the fact that separation anxiety disorder can be inherited, especially in cases of first-degree relatives.
- Environmental factors also seem to play an important role in the development of this psychological disorder. Being separated from a partner, friend, parent or child for various reasons can definitely lead adult separation anxiety disorder. Life stressors that trigger such a disorder are an unexpected death of a loved person, being separated by force from a loved person, being in an unhealthy relationship, etc.
- Physical factors also seem to play an important role in the development of this disorder. It has been estimated that adults dealing with separation anxiety have certain chemical imbalances in their brain. Specifically, neurotransmitters in charge of controlling and regulating the mood and impulses are not balanced, often leading to the onset of the symptoms.
Tip# : Use Transitional Objects
Transitional objects are tangible items that represent a person or relationship you hold dear. By keeping these objects with you, youll feel connected and closer with the person. For example, you could have a friendship bracelet to remind you of a specific person. Whenever you feel anxious, you can wear the bracelet to connect with your favorite person, even when theyre not physically close.
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Getting The Help You Need
Jesus Christ came that we may have life and have it to the full . Living in fear undermines our joy and our quality of life, and that is not what God wants for us. If you suspect that you or a loved one has Separation Anxiety Disorder, dont suffer in silence talk to a health care professional about it to get the help you need.
Beyond the possible medications that may be prescribed to help in the short term, seeing a trained professional can help a person with SAD. They can, for instance, help them to develop strategies to internalize the emotional support provided them by others, for example being able to better process distressing emotions or learning to self-soothe.
A Christian health care professional can help you not only with developing these life-giving strategies and changing unhelpful thought and behavior patterns but also with reminding you of biblical truths to sustain your journey.
Helping Your Child Overcome Separation Anxiety Or School Refusal Andrew R Eisen Linda B Engler And Joshua Sparrow
The authors provide an overview of school refusal and the specific challenges that come with separation anxiety surrounding attending school. The book contains real-life examples of children who have experienced school refusal and separation anxiety.
It also has resources to assist parents in establishing a plan to help their children overcome anxiety surrounding attending school and templates for plans to help parents and teachers work together to combat these issues.
Available on .
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What Happens If Separation Anxiety Disorder Is Left Untreated
Potential complications of separation anxiety disorder include depression and anxiety problems as adults, as well as personality disorders, in which anxiety is a major symptom. Adults with separation anxiety disorder have a guarded prognosis due to their being at risk of being quite emotionally disabled.
Separation Anxiety From Your Baby
Parents, especially new mothers, are also prone to separation anxiety disorder. This condition is also known as maternal separation disorder or postpartum separation disorder. It is prevalent in first-time moms. Maternal separation disorder results from a parent worrying, being sad, and feeling guilty when separated from their child, even for a short time.
During child delivery, women experience a decrease in progesterone and estrogen hormones. This can leave them susceptible to experiencing stress which then results in overwhelming feelings of panic and fear. Sleep deprivation from newborn care can heighten these feelings and further aggravate the situation.
For new mothers, the responsibility of caring for the child and wanting to protect them and keep them from harm can get unbearably overwhelming. As a result, the mother will experience separation anxiety whenever theyre away from the baby.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Separation Anxiety Disorder In A Child
The first symptoms of SAD often appear around the third or fourth grade. They may start after a break from school, such as during holidays or summer, or after a long-term sickness. Each child may have different symptoms. But the most common signs of SAD are:
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Refusing to sleep alone
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Too much worry about safety of self
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Too much worry about or when sleeping away from home
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Being very clingy, even when at home
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Panic or temper tantrums at times of separation from parents or caregivers
The symptoms of SAD may look like other health problems. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
What Causes Separation Anxiety Disorder In Adults
In adults, the exact underlying causes that result in separation anxiety disorder are not fully identified. While there are some plausible theories, more research is needed to identify the root cause behind separation anxiety in adults definitively. Some of the working ideas surrounding the cause of this condition include:
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What Are The Symptoms Of Separation Anxiety Disorder In Adults
The diagnostic and statistical manual for mental disorders is the greatest resource in understanding separation anxiety disorder. However, in the fourth volume of this manual , separation anxiety disorder is categorized under diseases commonly diagnosed in adolescence, childhood, or infancy. It was not until the fifth volume where separation anxiety was classified as a mental condition that can affect adults.
While the core features of separation anxiety disorder remain unchanged in DSM-V, the wording has been improved and modified. This was done to adequately represent the condition and accompanying symptoms experienced by adults a feature that was lacking in DSM-IV.
Below are the most prevalent signs and symptoms associated with a separation anxiety disorder . These symptoms will give you an idea of whether youre suffering from SAD or a different condition. However, its essential to seek professional help before self-diagnosing or taking subsequent measures.
The common symptoms of adult separation disorder are:
Prevalence of three or more of the above-mentioned symptoms indicates excessive worry and developmentally inappropriate anxiety concerning separation from close family and attached individuals. In children and adolescents, these symptoms last for about four weeks. In adults, the symptoms can last for six months or longer.
Effects Of Sad On Relationships
Personal relationships are perhaps the most affected aspect of separation anxiety among adults. If you experience childhood separation anxiety disorder that carries over into adulthood, youll likely have difficulty forming meaningful and stable romantic relationships. Additionally, you may end up in unhealthy relationships where the other party takes advantage of you because of your attachment issues.
In most cases, adult separation anxiety disorder is damaging both to the affected person and their partner. Being overly protective, possessive, and vigilant can harm the personal space and comfort of your partner. Consequently, this may result in unnecessary arguments, fights, and mental pressure on both parties.
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Is It Possible To Prevent Separation Anxiety Disorder
Research indicates that educating parents on ways to help their child cope with anxiety may be helpful in the prevention of separation anxiety disorder. Specifically, helping parents guide their child through experiences that cause anxiety, as well as developing healthy ways to cope with such experiences, seems to decrease the likelihood of developing any anxiety disorder, including separation anxiety disorder.
Signs Of Separation Anxiety Disorder
Separation Anxiety Disorder is a type of panic disorder that can cause many short-term and long-term problems. It can be difficult to determine if your child has Separation Anxiety Disorder because there are subtle signs and symptoms that can go unnoticed. Because of these symptoms, a child with Separation Anxiety Disorder can go untreated for a long time, with serious consequences. Recognizing these signs can help you determine if your child needs to be seen by a doctor.
Mild cases of separation anxiety disorder do not require medical treatment. In milder cases, the symptoms can be treated with behavioral therapy, medications, relaxation techniques, support groups or other support options.
The ultimate goals of treating this disorder are building a sense of independence in the patient, reducing anxiety in both the patient and caregivers, teaching the patient and family/ caregivers about the importance of frequent, natural separations, and decreasing the likelihood that the patient will develop an addiction to any of the treatments. A doctors evaluation can help determine if these goals are met.
If Separation Anxiety Disorder develops, there are some common treatment options
Another common treatment is medication. There are several medications available to help manage Separation Anxiety Disorder, including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti-anxiety medications, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors .
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