18th International Attachment conference 2019 –
ATTACHMENT and SIBLINGS
The bond between siblings is a special one, in part because it so often constitutes a person’s longest relationship. This lifelong bond leads to a special kind of intimacy that results from having grown up together and having shared experiences and memories. Siblings play a variety of different roles: they may serve as role models, rivals, and allies; the attachment between siblings plays a part in all of these roles. In contrast to friendships that are freely entered into, relationships between siblings are a sort of community of fate, because, unlike in friendships, they cannot simply walk away from their differences. They must work them out. As a result, sibling relationships may constitute a great emotional resource; or they may be marked by deep and vehement conflicts that may eventuate in traumatic experiences leading to chronic illness, loss, or physical and sexual violence.
How does this intense bond between siblings arise? Why can’t the love between siblings be assumed, and why do sibling rivalries develop? Do twins and multiples form special attachments? What effect do parents have on the attachment between and among their children? How can secure attachment between siblings be promoted? What roles do siblings (or step-, half-, adoptive-, or foster siblings) assume within the family or in patchwork families? What effect does the attachment between siblings have on later relationships and friendships as well as on the ability to function in groups? What factors affect how closely connected siblings are in later life? Does the relationship between siblings offer protection against mental illness or can it under certain circumstances be more of a risk factor? What forms of support, counseling, therapy, and prevention are helpful for people experiencing sibling conflicts that may enable them to avoid or work through traumatic experiences?
The conference will examine both healing and destructive aspects in the context of attachment and siblings. Internationally renowned researchers and clinicians will report on their studies and experiences, and examine potential preventive interventions.
Information from Dr. Brisch on his own behalf:
After 19 years, I have finished my position as head of the Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy at the Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital at the University of Munich at Dec 31, 2018.
In the future, I will continue with my position as chair of the EARLY LIFE CARE Institute at the Paracelsus Medical University in Salzburg/Austria.
How to contact me:
Institute für Early Life Care
Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität
Strubergasse 22
A-5020 Salzburg
Austria
Tel: +43 (662) 2420 – 80590
FAX: +43 (662) 2420 - 80009
Email:
Karl-Heinz.Brisch [at] pmu.ac.atOr contact my personal assistant Mrs Marina PollhammerTel: +43 (662) 2420 – 80591
Email:
Marina.Pollhammer [at] pmu.ac.at