Abstract â–¡ 127

Aim: To examine attachment styles in a sample of women who had exhibited Factitious illness by Proxy behavior with their children.

Method: Subjects were identified through protection of legal proceedings. They were asked to take part in the Adult Attachment Interview; a semi-structured interview with both clinical and community norms. Subjects were rate as secure or insecure on the AAI, and then given a subclassification of either Dismissive (D), Enmeshed (E) or Unresolved (U).

Analysis: Proportions of the sample rated as insecure were compared with published norms.

Results: The proportion of insecure attachment in the MSBP mothers was much higher than for a established clinical or non-clinical norms. In terms of subclassification, as excess of Dismissive style was noted. In addition, high levels of unresolved attachment were found compared to normal populations.

Conclusion: Mothers who exhibit FIP behaviour show insecure attachment styles. It may be that ways of thinking about attachment, and internal representation of attachment, interfere with mother-child interaction and attachment, thus facilitating the FIP behaviour. Different treatment approaches may be indicated for women who have different attachment styles.