6 Needs Compass

The article "Attachment Research and The 6 Needs Compass as A Therapeutic Tool" by Jeffrey Olrick, Ph.D., explores the development of attachment theory and its practical application in parenting. John Bowlby's theory of attachment posits that children are born with instincts to seek comfort from caregivers in distress and to explore the world when they feel secure. These behaviors are crucial for survival and healthy development. Mary Ainsworth's "Strange Situation" procedure empirically validated these attachment patterns, categorizing them into secure and various forms of anxious attachment. The article highlights the importance of secure attachment in fostering emotional regulation, competence, and protection from future mental health issues. The author then introduces "The 6 Needs Compass," a tool developed to help parents understand and meet their children's needs for delight, support, boundaries, protection, comfort, and equipping. This compass serves as a guide for parents to balance their responses and build secure attachments with their children, ultimately promoting their children's holistic development.

  • Understand the foundational principles of John Bowlby's attachment theory and its significance in human development.

  • Explore Mary Ainsworth's "Strange Situation" procedure and its role in identifying different attachment patterns in children.

  • Recognize the long-term developmental benefits of secure attachment relationships, including emotional regulation and resilience.

  • Identify the six relational needs (delight, support, boundaries, protection, comfort, equipping) as outlined in "The 6 Needs Compass."

  • Apply the "6 Needs Compass" as a practical tool for fostering secure attachment and addressing the diverse needs of children.

  • Evaluate the role of parents' own attachment histories and tendencies in shaping their responses to their children's needs and behaviors.

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