Positive Behaviour Support - Department of Human Services - Vic ...

26 Positive behaviour support: Getting it right from the start - Facilitators reference manual
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There are four types of attachment styles which include:
1. Secure (usually confident)
and three other insecure attachment styles
2. Avoidant (dismissing)
Here the person may think positively about themselves but have a negative view of the world
and may avoid social interactions. They may have a tendency to avoid seeking help and do not
like strong, emotionally-involved relationships.
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3. Anxious (ambivalent/preoccupied/resistant)
Here the person may think negatively about themselves and think other people are good. They
lack confidence in their own abilities and often prefer for others to make decisions for them.
4. Disorganised (Fearful/disorientated/unresolved)
Here the person may have a negative view of themselves and others, low confidence, fear of
being rejected by others and are unable to adequately express how they are feeling.
People with an insecure attachment style, may exhibit a range of behaviours of concern including
problematic ways of interacting with those around them. It is important to remember that they
have developed a traumatic belief about themselves, other people and their environment, which
influences their relationships, feelings and interactions and often are not aware of why they feel
or act the way they do.
How does trauma impact on attachment?
A traumatic event can affect a person’s ability to cope with stress and makes them feel
overwhelmed. Sometimes the effects are delayed by weeks and in some cases even years.
Often people with an intellectual disability may not be able to fully understand why something
has happened the consequences for themselves and others, how to problem solve or know
what coping strategies to use. As a result people with an intellectual disability are more likely to
show behaviours of concern when they feel that their personal safety is threatened.
Case study
Terry was physically abused when he was a child and now he gets scared if he hears
someone yelling. Terry may misread the person’s tone of voice and body language as a
potential threat and become fearful. He might suddenly lash out aggressively as part of an
automatic response to keep himself safe.
In groups identify some potential strategies that you could put into place to support a person
with an intellectual disability to establish positive relationships with others.
Why do you think these might work?
It is important to note that not all people who have experienced trauma will go onto develop
significant attachment problems. Generally people who are social, confident, have effective
communication skills and strong relationships with others are better able to cope with
trauma.