The Impact of Insecure Attachment on Adolescent Self-Concept and Peer Attachment: A Resource for Counsellors

Abstract

The purpose of this capstone is to provide an outline of the current research on the impact that an insecure attachment has on self-concept and peer attachment in adolescence. Insecure attachment within adolescents creates a negative self-concept, which makes it difficult for individuals to create healthy peer attachments. Adolescents are in a key stage of identity development, and therefore having a negative self-concept only further interrupts their ability to form healthy and positive self-concepts. Within the final chapter, the research is utilized to formulate an outline for a workshop that can be hosted to help train and educate counsellors on effectively working with adolescents who have an insecure attachment style.