Up-to-date information

Announcement 2012

International Conference, Munich

ATTACHMENT AND ADOLESCENCE - INDIVIDUALITY, GROUP, AND AUTONOMY

Saturday and Sunday, October 13-14, 2012

Preconference on Friday, October 12, 2012

Topic:

Secure attachment in early childhood is especially important in adolescence because adolescents are

heavily engaged in becoming autonomous and separating from their attachment figures. This process

may cause much anxiety and activate their need for attachment. Some adolescents are unable to

separate at all; others attempt to force separation. During this stage of development, attachment to

peer groups may become an important attachment system that gives adolescents a sense of

protection and security, which can help them make the transition to adulthood. However,

pathological group attachment may also become a source of fear and anxiety that hinders autonomy

and individuality. Adolescents who have experienced trauma and disorganized attachment in

childhood are especially susceptible to psychological problems such as depression, suicidality, panic,

violence, drugs, sexual difficulties, eating disorders, and borderline symptoms. The papers presented

at this conference will illustrate, based on studies and clinical and educational work, how the

development of psychopathology in adolescents may be understood and treated, and will indicate

potential preventive measures.

Target group:

The conference is aimed at pediatricians, child psychiatrists, child and adolescent psychotherapists,

child psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, educators, youth social workers, and all therapists

and counselors engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of psychosocial and emotional disorders in

adolescents. In addition, we invite all professionals who engage with adolescents such as teachers,

nurses, remedial teachers, ergotherapists, physical therapists, clergy, jurists, politicians, and

parents.

Preconference Workshop: Friday, October 12, 2012

Main Conference: Saturday, October 13 and Sunday, October 14, 2012.

Place and Schedule: To be announced. The complete program will be mailed in spring 2012.

Further information: here