Now that is a concept I've not come across before and could help explain why I have difficulty making connections with people. I was sent to a children's home for 3 weeks when my brother was born as there was no-one else to look after me - in those days maternity 'confinement' was 3 weeks! In fact it probably underlies much that has puzzled me about my reaction to people.
here.
Absolutely. Abandonment in childhood - real or perceived - even something fairly common and seemingly benign like a stay in hospital, going to boarding school etc - can affect us for life. Thankfully, nowadays our understanding of early attachment and its significance are much better understood and hence when children have to go into hospital etc parents can stay with them.
[url]Attachment theory - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/url]
As a general principle, the earlier the attachment trauma takes place, the more impact it is likely to have on ability to regulate our emotions and connect with other people. Obviously lots of other factors can influence this as well, in a detrimental way or in a protective and healing way.
A couple of great books that explain the significance and basic neuroscience of attachment simply and with poignant examples:
A General Theory of Love
http://www.amazon.co.uk/A-General-Theory-Love-Vintage/dp/0375709223/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384891739&sr=8-1&keywords=general+theory+of+love
The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Boy-Who-Raised-Psychiatrists-Notebook--What-ebook/dp/B000WJS9K2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384891785&sr=8-1&keywords=boy+who+was+raised+as+a+dog
Masha
Hi Masha
Thank you so much for the links. I still have much to learn - as always ;), and the suggested reading is a good start in this direction. I shall order the books!