The attachment adaptation process model: Developing attachment security after experiencing addiction in the family

Jul 16, 2026

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Study purpose centers on how adult children build attachment security later in life after growing up with a parent who used substances. Drawing on constructivist grounded theory, the research interviews 14 participants to map adaptation mechanisms. Findings identify a four-phase progression—confusion, transition, restoration, and dedication—offering a framework to help clients visualize and practice earning attachment security. Implications highlight connecting clients with community and faith-based supports.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages19

Reading Time48 min

Abstract

Objective

Method

Results

Conclusion

Attachment

Core concepts and theoretical background

| Received: 28 June 2022 | Revised: 20 April 2023 | Accepted: 20 May 2023 | | --- | --- | --- | DOI: 10.1111/fare.12920 The attachment adaptation process model: Developing attachment security after experiencing addiction in the family Everette Coffman 1 | Jacqueline Swank 2 | Hannah B. Bayne 3 1Department of Child & Family Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 2Department of Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 3Counselor Education and Supervision, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL Correspondence Everette Coffman, Department of Child & Family Studies, University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B Downs Boulevard, MHC 1618, Tampa, FL 33612-3807, USA. Email: [coffman3@usf.edu](coffman3@usf.edu) Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the adaptation processes of building attachment security later in life when one’s attachment style has been affected by growing up in a household with a parent who uses substances. Background: Parental substance use may have negative effects on children who grow up in those homes, including developing an insecure attachment style. Limited studies have focused on adult children of alcoholics/addicts’(ACOAs) attachment adaptation processes into adulthood. Method: Using a constructivist grounded theory approach, we explored the process ACOA’s use to build attachment security. The first author interviewed 14 participants using a semistructured interview format through the video conferencing platform Zoom. Results: Through analysis of the data, we identified a fourphase process: (a) confusion,(b) transition,(c) restoration, and (d) dedication. This information provides a framework to show clients the attachment adaptation process model (AAPM), developed in this study, and helps them to visualize the process by which they may learn to develop more attachment security. Conclusion: ACOAs may incur adverse experiences in childhood that influence their attachment development later in life. The researchers in this study built a model of how ACOAs build attachment security later in life. Implications: Practitioners can help clients connect with community support groups, places of worship, and other small groups that the participants identified as instrumental in the healing process. Overall, helping clients find a place for safe and healthy connections is crucial during their journey to attachment security. | Author note The data reported here were acquired through the first author’s dissertation. | | --- | | © 2023 National Council on Family Relations. | Family Relations. 2024;73:1455–[1473. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/fare](1473. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/fare) 1455 KEYW ORDS adult children of alcoholics/addicts, attachment, earned attachment security, grounded theory The prevalence of substance use among parents is a growing concern for children in the United States because it can have long-lasting effects on this population (Bailey et al., 2013; Karaka et al., 2021; Schindler & Broning, 2015) . Children of parents who use substances are a vulnerable population and are at high risk for developing substance use issues (Vungkhanchinget al., 2004), insecure attachment styles (Karaka et al., 2021), negative psychological factors (Bailey et al., 2013; e.g., anxiety, depression), and other interpersonal concerns (Schindler & Broning, 2015; e.g. , relationship struggles, poor emotion regulation strategies) . This issue seems to be widespread; researchers from the 2017 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health revealed that approximately one in eight children (8 .7 million) age 17 or younger lived in a household where one parent had a substance use disorder (SUD; Lipari & Van Horn, 2017) . Additionally, the researchers reported that one in 10 children (7.5 million) lived in a household where one parent had an alcohol use disorder (AUD), and one in 35 children (2.1 million) lived in a household whe

FAQs

What is the main objective of the study?

The study examines how people build attachment security later in life when their attachment style was shaped by growing up with a parent who used substances.

How was the research conducted?

Researchers used a constructivist grounded theory approach and conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 participants via the Zoom video conferencing platform.

What four phases make up the attachment adaptation process model?

The model identifies four phases: confusion, transition, restoration, and dedication.

Jul 16, 2026

Upload by Rowan