Download

Download Full Text (360 KB)

Instructor/Advisor

Jonathan P. Kessler, LICSW, SAC

Keywords

Parental Substance use, Children, Emotional regulation

Abstract

This systematic literature review explores how parental substance use during early childhood (ages 0-5) influences emotional regulation and attachment development. Consistent and responsive caregiving is critical for fostering secure attachment, but parental substance use can disrupt this responsiveness. This review examines how inconsistent caregiving, neglect, and impaired emotional regulation contribute to the development of insecure attachment patterns, including avoidant, anxious, and disorganized attachment.The study also investigates how early attachment disruptions impact a child's emotional regulation, potentially leading to heightened stress responses, difficulty with self-soothing, and increased risks of anxiety, depression, and behavioral challenges. This review aims to bridge gaps in the literature and promote secure attachment and emotional resilience in children affected by parental substance use

The Neurodevelopmental Cost of Addiction: Parental Substance Use and Its Effects on Emotional Regulation and attachment in Children

Share

COinS