Abstract

This research paper explores the expression of attachment patterns in drawings. It begins by giving an overview of attachment theory, particularly reviewing Bowlby's concept of internal working models of relationships and Fonagy's ideas on the development of children's perception of themselves as thinking and feeling beings. Current applications of attachment theory in art therapy research are also summarised. These concepts are then illustrated with the case study of a 9 year-old boy diagnosed with disrupted attachment, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder. The Family Drawing Checklist (FDC) devised by Fury (1996; Fury, Carlson & Sroufe, 1997) to categorise family drawings according to attachment type is used to analyse this boy's family portrait, as well as the drawings he made in his individual art therapy sessions. These results classify his work as being insecurely attached but without distinguishing between insecure attachment types. The Kerns Security Scale (KSS) constructed by Kerns, Klepac & Coles (1996) is also utilised to glean more information about his attachment status. Its results show that he is securely attached to his father but insecurely attached to his mother. Links between this child's artistic production, his attachment patterns, and the results of the FDC and the KSS, support the blend of art therapy and attachment theory when treating children with attachment disorders.