A6.01 - A6. Skill-Building Intensive: The Potential Impact of a Caregiver's Device Use on the Attachment Bond with Their Child

Brief Abstract Summary: In this interactive session, attendees will explore/revisit attachment styles and learn about the seminal research study recently conducted by the presenters which investigated the potential impact a primary caregiver's device use, beliefs, and behaviors may have on their attachment bond with a child. The presenters will share details of the study and its outcomes. Following their participation and Q&A, attendees will be able to:

1. Identify examples and/or symptomatic manifestations of unhealthy or inappropriate primary caregiver device use and/or behaviors which could contribute to the development of an insecure attachment rupture or bond.
2. Examine and address any existing attachment bond ruptures related to a caregiver's device use, and begin to reconcile, rehabilitate, and heal them.

Detailed abstract description: Abstract: The potential impact of a primary caregiver's device use on the attachment bond with their child was the basis of a 2-year national research investigation conducted by the presenters-two globally recognized experts in healthy device management, attachment, family systems, and treatment. The results of their seminal study which evidenced a significant relationship between a maternal caregiver’s device behaviors and the attachment style with their child is the focus of this interactive session.

Session

Description: New technology offers previously unimaginable opportunities which have forever changed our relationships, academics, workspaces, entertainment, families, culture, communities, world-and even attachment bonds-across almost all populations. On the darker side, technology (especially in the form of devices and the platforms/apps/services they deliver) has become the newest-and most potentially dangerous-"drug of choice" for many individuals, even to the point of negatively impacting their health and well-being. Those-especially children, adolescents, and other vulnerable and at-risk populations-struggling with anxiety, depression, loneliness, stress, relationship issues, and/or substance abuse seem to be at an even greater risk. Complaints of feeling "disconnected," disenfranchised, lonely, FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out), emotionally/socially dysregulated, or lacking an authentic community have also increased across almost all demographics.

Concurrently, device use and utilization, reliance, and in some cases even dependence has increased in a prolific swell. To this point, the potential impact of a primary caregiver's device use, behaviors, and beliefs on attachment bonds with their children is a topic of emerging concern and discussion. It was also the basis for a two-year national research study conducted by the presenters.

In this interactive session, two globally-recognized experts in healthy device management, family systems, attachment, treatment, and community will (a) explore with participants device "attachment" behaviors, (b) expose the positive and potentially negative effects of technology use, (b) discuss how a caregiver’s engagement with devices may be related to the creation of an insecure attachment bond with their children, (d) provide strategies to help identify, treat, and heal any new caregiver device-centric attachment ruptures, (e) share the results of their seminal research study (completed in Fall 2024) which evidenced that there is in fact a relationship between a primary caregiver’s device use and beliefs and the attachment style with their child, (f) provide evidence-based recommendations of how to address and heal any potential device driven attachment ruptures and (g) offer skills and strategies to help a caregiver avoid any future device-centric attachment bond ruptures with their children,.

Following the presentation, a Q&A will be offered to participants.