Attachment disorganization in prepubertal children with severe emotional disturbance.

Four prepubertal psychiatric inpatients were selected to illustrate four proposed subtypes of attachment disorganization. These children were administered the Attachment Story-Completion Task, an instrument that assesses the quality of attachment security to the primary caregiver. Clinical vignettes of their respective inpatient treatments are presented, and the essential characteristics of the four corresponding proposed subtypes are discussed. It is argued that children assessed with attachment disorganization are a heterogeneous group who nevertheless suggest more subtle patterns of organization.