What is Disorganised Attachment in Early Years?

Disorganised attachment is a type of insecure attachment that can develop in young children. It occurs when a child feels both comfort and fear towards their main caregiver. This creates confusion for the child, as the person they would normally turn to for safety and reassurance is also a source of fear or discomfort.

This attachment style often develops when a caregiver’s behaviour is unpredictable, frightening, or inconsistent. It can make a child feel unsure of how to respond when they need comfort, leaving them stuck between wanting closeness and wanting to protect themselves.

How Attachment Forms in Early Childhood

Attachment begins to develop in the first months of life. Young children rely on their caregivers for protection, warmth, and emotional connection. Over time, they learn what to expect from these adults. If care is consistent, sensitive, and responsive, children usually form a secure attachment. They learn that they can rely on their caregiver when they are distressed and explore the world when they feel safe.

When care is inconsistent, frightening, or absent, attachment can become insecure. In disorganised attachment, the child cannot form a clear strategy for getting comfort. This may mean they approach the caregiver but then appear anxious, freeze, or move away suddenly.

What are the Causes of Disorganised Attachment?

Disorganised attachment can arise in situations where a caregiver’s behaviour is a mix of comfort and threat. Common factors can include:

• Caregivers showing frightening behaviour, such as shouting or sudden angry outbursts
• Care being abruptly withdrawn or inconsistent
• The child witnessing or experiencing abuse
• Caregivers experiencing unresolved trauma or serious mental health difficulties
• Situations where the caregiver is physically present but emotionally unavailable

These factors can create a confusing emotional environment. The child receives mixed signals about whether their caregiver is safe to rely on. Over time, this uncertainty can shape the child’s patterns of relating to others.

What are the Signs of Disorganised Attachment in Young Children?

Children with disorganised attachment can show patterns that may seem unusual or unpredictable. Some signs can include:

• Seeking comfort from a caregiver but appearing fearful or hesitant
• Freezing, staring blankly, or showing sudden changes in behaviour when a caregiver approaches
• Running toward the caregiver and then moving away quickly
• Displaying self-soothing behaviours such as rocking without an obvious reason
• Difficulty calming down even after a caregiver offers comfort
• Signs of confusion about whether to trust the caregiver

These behaviours can appear in everyday situations, such as when a child gets hurt or feels anxious. The child’s conflicting responses reflect the inner struggle between the need for comfort and the fear linked to the caregiver.

Impact on Development

Disorganised attachment can affect a child’s emotional, social, and cognitive growth. It shapes how the child views themselves and others.

In the early years, this can lead to:

• Problems with emotional regulation, making it hard for the child to manage strong feelings
• Increased anxiety or distress in everyday situations
• Difficulty forming positive relationships with peers and other adults
• Challenges with exploration and play, as the child may feel unsafe or distracted by worry
• Lower confidence in tackling new tasks or engaging with the environment

When children feel unsure of their caregiver’s response, their energy and attention are often focused on managing uncertainty rather than exploring and learning.

Relationship with Caregivers

For a child with disorganised attachment, the relationship with their caregiver is filled with mixed signals. The caregiver may act lovingly at times, but also behave in ways that cause fear or distress. This leaves the child unable to predict what will happen next.

The emotional bond is still present, but it is disrupted by fear. The child might approach the caregiver in moments of need, yet their body language or facial expression can show anxiety. This behaviour reflects a deep inner conflict between wanting closeness and needing protection from the source of that closeness.

Long-Term Effects

If disorganised attachment patterns continue into later childhood, they can influence relationships and self-image. Long-term effects can include:

• Difficulty trusting others
• Problems with emotional regulation
• Increased likelihood of developing anxiety or mood difficulties
• Challenges in forming secure bonds in adult relationships

Early intervention can support the child in moving towards more secure patterns, helping to avoid negative effects in later life.

Supporting a Child with Disorganised Attachment

Support needs to focus on creating a safe, predictable, and responsive environment. Helpful approaches include:

• Consistent daily routines, so the child knows what to expect
• Calm and gentle responses to distress
• Giving the child time and space to approach for comfort without pressure
• Avoiding behaviours that might appear threatening, such as sudden loud voices or unpredictable movements
• Building trust through repeated positive interactions

Children benefit when caregivers work on their own emotional wellbeing too. Seeking support for past trauma, stress, or mental health challenges can help the caregiver respond in a more predictable and supportive way.

Role of Early Education Settings

Educators can play an important part in supporting young children with disorganised attachment. In these settings, children can experience consistent relationships and predictable routines. Staff can help by:

• Providing calm reassurance when the child shows signs of confusion or distress
• Not taking withdrawn or unpredictable behaviour as a personal rejection
• Creating positive, low-pressure opportunities for connection
• Working closely with parents or carers to understand the child’s needs
• Maintaining predictable transitions, such as moving from one activity to another

When educators show steady care and patience, children may begin to feel safer and more able to form secure bonds in that space.

Final Thoughts

Disorganised attachment in the early years develops when a child experiences both comfort and fear from the same caregiver. This confusion makes it hard for the child to form a clear way of seeking help and safety. The signs can appear in moments of distress, with the child showing behaviours that mix approaches for comfort with withdrawal or fear.

The impact can reach into emotional regulation, relationships, and learning. Support from caregivers and educators can make a real difference by offering consistent, calm, and predictable interactions. By building trust, providing safety, and meeting emotional needs, children can begin to feel more secure and find new ways to connect with those around them.