Note: This episode is Part 2 of 2. It stands alone, but to start at Part 1 click HERE.
“So which strategy in this model is best? Every behavioral strategy is the right strategy for some problem, but no strategy is the best strategy for every problem. We need them all.”
– Dr Patricia Crittenden, creator of the Dynamic Maturational Model of Attachment & Adaptation (DMM) using culture and context.
LOOKING FOR THE SLIDES?
DOWNLOAD THE PDF HERE: Rudiments-of-the-DMM-PDF VERSION
OR THE POWERPOINT VERSION HERE: Rudiments of the DMM Powerpoint version
Or if you have great eyesight :) you can view them here.
Therapist Uncensored Episode 97 Show Notes:
Before we begin:
A’s (Red in the DMM)=Historically referred to as Blue on TU
B’s (Blue in the DMM)=Historically referred to as Green on TU
C’s (Green in the DMM)=Historically referred to as Red on TU
AC’s = Historically referred to Tie Dye on TU
**Note: We know the colors may be a bit confusing, but it is important to us that you receive information as Dr Crittenden has published it. It is by happenstance that our colors are the same (with the exception of tie dye), but they represent different thinking and behavioral patterns. When we refer to color in the episodes and in the show notes, we are referring to the colors we have historically used on the TU podcast and the letters and self-protective strategies of the DMM. This is only in order to maintain consistency and make the information more easily understood by our listeners. However, the colors as shown in the slides and as listed above, are the way Dr Crittenden uses them in her fantastic work!
Let’s Dive In:
To understand self-protective strategies, we have to understand the information the brain is using, even in infancy – it’s neurological.
A’s, the B’s and the C’s emphasize different sorts of information.
Strategies by Age Group and Model Representation:
Infancy
DMM Ainsworth ABC+D
A-2: Avoidant A1-2 A1-2
B1-2: Reserved B1-4 B1-4
B3: Comfortable C1 C1-2
B4-5: Reactive D-Controlling
C1-2: Resistant/Passive
Preschool
Preschoolers utilize false positive affect.
A’s split their own self from the other, and they focus on the parent. They take the perspective of the powerful person.
C’s split their negative affect, showing either the vulnerable or the invulnerable affect. They hide the other from view.
DMM Ainsworth ABC+D
A1-2: Avoidant A1-2
A3-4: Compulsively Caregiving/Compliant B1-4
B1-2: Reserved C1-2
B3: Comfortable D-Controlling
B4-5: Reactive
C1-2: Resistant/Passive
C3-4: Aggressive/Feigned Helpless
School Age
DMM Ainsworth ABC+D
A1-2: Avoidant A1-2
A3-4: Compulsively Caregiving/Compliant B1-4
B1-2: Reserved C1-2
B3: Comfortable D-Controlling
B4-5: Reactive
C1-2: Resistant/Passive
C3-4: Aggressive/Feigned Helpless
C5-6: Punitive/Seductive
Adolescence
DMM Ainsworth ABC+D
A1-2: Avoidant A1-2
A3-4: Compulsively Caregiving/Compliant B1-4
A5-6: Compulsively Promiscuous/Self-Reliant C1-2
B1-2: Reserved U/Cannot Classify
B3: Comfortable
B4-5: Reactive
C1-2: Resistant/Passive