ABSTRACT
This chapter talks about the families' influence on the developing child, seen through a range of theories about the development of attachment, the impact of parents on the child's developing life narrative and sense of self, and the development of a secure sense of self. This in turn has implications for the development of an autonomous self at adolescence. Another factor in the emotional life of the family, one that cuts right across the issues arising from the relationship the growing child has with each parent individually, is the relationship that the parents have with each other. Family therapists are accustomed to thinking about and addressing the interaction between these different factors all the time. If children are aware the difference has been partially resolved, then likewise the emotional reaction is partially resolved. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the research evidence linking these issues with internalising disorders, eating disorders and anorexia.
