ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the Dynamic-Maturational Model of Attachment and Adaptation (DMM), a contemporary and well-researched model of attachment that is particularly relevant to practitioners who work with troubled, vulnerable or risky individuals – including sexual offenders. It offers a brief introduction to DMM model and two case examples to illustrate how early life experiences and relationships with primary caregivers can be a significant factor influencing the development of sexual offending behaviour. Sexual offending behaviour can arise when individuals block out or misinterpret crucial information that, if perceived accurately, would lead to more successful psychosocial functioning. Attachment theory provides a model for understanding the self-protective strategies we use throughout our lives in order to survive and to maintain a sense of safety. For the newborn, two critical factors – predictability and attunement of care – have a decisive influence on the baby's psychological development and attachments with other people.
