An Intersubjective Approach to Working with Dysfunctional Anger and Attachment Trauma: A Case Study
Date of Award
2020
Document Type
Doctoral Research Paper
Degree Name
Psy.D.
Organizational Unit
Graduate School of Professional Psychology
First Advisor
Peter Buirski
Second Advisor
Hale Martin
Third Advisor
Jennifer Cornish
Keywords
Intersubjective, Trauma, Dysfunctional anger
Abstract
John Bowlby (1973) posited the idea that internal attachment working models inform an individual’s experience of anger. Bowlby stated that anger was a “functional protest” to others’ adverse attachment behavior. He also outlined the difference between functional anger and dysfunctional anger. A functional response to anger promotes attachment bonds while a dysfunctional response is often disruptive to the attachment structure. Dysfunctional responses may include overt aggression, internalization of anger, destructive behavior, tantrums, or any negative response that threatens the attachment bond. The purpose of this paper is to examine the etiology of dysfunctional anger within attachment relationships, and the impact of such an experience on one’s organizing principles in adulthood. Using an Intersubjective Systems Theory (IST) framework, this paper will present a case study that illustrates the transformation of one individual’s experience of anger. The case study will focus solely on internalized anger and will use this term interchangeably with dysfunctional anger.
Publication Statement
Copyright held by the author. Permanently suppressed.
Extent
27 pgs
Recommended Citation
Badwan, Maya, "An Intersubjective Approach to Working with Dysfunctional Anger and Attachment Trauma: A Case Study" (2020). Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects. 401.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/capstone_masters/401