Love-Seeking or Attachment Disorder? A Holistic Review on Indiscriminate Friendliness in Adopted or Maltreated Children

Authors

  • Yanhong Liu Syracuse University
  • Laura Jane Fullenkamp The University of Toledo
  • Diane Marie Zimmer The University of Toledo

Keywords:

indiscriminate friendliness, attachment, culture, children, DSM

Abstract

This conceptual article provides a holistic review of literature on children’s indiscriminate friendliness (IF), defined as excessively friendly behavior to strangers without age-appropriate screening or hesitance (Tizard, 1977), in relation to counseling. It discusses the complexity of IF, its relationship with attachment, and individually and culturally associative factors. It also broaches the pathological view on IF reflected in clinical diagnoses through various versions of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). It highlights the need for a well-established measure for IF and offers practical implications for counseling children with IF.

Author Biographies

Yanhong Liu, Syracuse University

Yanhong Liu, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in Counselor Educatino affiliated with the Department of Counseling and Human Services at Syracuse University.

Laura Jane Fullenkamp, The University of Toledo

Ms. Laura Fullenkamp is a doctoral candidate in Counselor Educatino affiliated with the School of Intervention and Wellness at the University of Toledo.

Diane Marie Zimmer, The University of Toledo

Ms. Diane Zimmer is a doctoral candidate in Counselor Educatino affiliated with the School of Intervention and Wellness at the University of Toledo.

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Published

2018-08-13

Issue

Vol. 7 (2018): The Practitioner Scholar: Journal of Counseling and Professional Psychology

Section

Articles

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