Table 4.

Clinically relevant features of narrative attachment interviews

Narrative feature	Examples of areas of clinical concern
Attributions about the child	Instances of derogation – direct expression of anger about the child’s needs – are noted. The narrative is marked by distortion, such that the child’s needs are characterized as hurtful, frightening, or overwhelming. The caregiver is generically positive about the (e.g., ‘loving’ or ‘caring’) and yet the story of the relationship is characterized by extreme disengagement such that the caregiver struggles to find language to talk about the child infant’s needs and seems disinterested. The caregiver talks about the child as a friend, peer or confidant. The caregiver talks about the child in an impersonal way – without showing understanding/ appreciation of the child as a unique individual.
The tone of the interview	Indifference. Moments of significant anger/hostility or thematic anger. Notable guilt, shame, or disappointment.
The capacity to reflect on   the child’s experience   (i.e., reflective functioning,   empathy and insight)	Little capacity to imagine what the child needs or feels. Salient developmental issues like regulating sleep or crying or toilet training are described as burdensome, overwhelming or not described at all. Challenges with regulation are blamed, at least in part, on the infant though significant guilt may be expressed.
Memories about the child	Limited. Lack detail, positive emotion and richness. Contradictory such that, for example, specific memories of the child described as loving focus instead on the child being manipulative or difficult.
Psychological defenses/ trauma	Moments of confusion or even dissociation. Previous experiences of loss or trauma are talked about even if not clearly related to the interview question. Increasing irritation with the interviewer. Questions are challenged or criticized or interview process is demeaned.