Many psychological problems are present when children have moved families. The majority of such children have experienced trauma and loss. They can show sudden mood changes with extreme behavioural difficulties. The mood changes resemble affect flashbacks. Using metaphor to describe these episodes as ‘timeholes’, and giving guidance as to how to reduce them, has proved clinically useful. The description of a timehole and its link to other psychological reactions and appropriate interventions are discussed.
Carr, A. C.
(1981). Dying and bereavement. In D. Griffiths (Ed.), Psychology and medicine (pp. 137-159). London: Macmillan.
2.
Fahlberg, V.
(1994). A child’s journey through placement. London: BAAF.
3.
Festinger, T.
(1990). Adoption disruption. In D. M. Brodzinsky & M. D. Schechter (Eds.), Psychology of adoption (pp. 201-208). New York: Oxford University Press.
4.
Fonagy, P.
, Steele, M., Steele, H., Higgitt, A., & Target, M. (1994). The theory and practice of resilience. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 35(2), 231-257.
5.
Galatzer-Levy, R. M.
(1997). Psychoanalysis memory and trauma. In P. S. Appelbaum, L. A. Uyehara, & M. R. Elin (Eds.), Trauma and memory: Clinical and legal controversies (pp. 138-157). New York: Oxford University Press.
6.
Hobday, A.
, & Lee, K. (1994). Emotional and behavioural responses of children placed for adoption – what should medical advisers know?Adoption and Fostering, 18(2), 27-30.
7.
Hobday, A.
, & Lee, K. (1995). Adoption: A specialist area for psychology?The Psychologist, 8(l), 13-15.
8.
Howe, D.
(1998). Adoption outcome research and practical judgement. Adoption and Fostering, 22(2), 6-15.
9.
Keck, G.
, & Kupecky, R. (1995). Adopting the hurt child. Colorado Springs, CO: Pinon.
10.
Matthews, J. A.
, & Chu, J. A. (1997). Psychodynamic therapy for patients with early childhood trauma. In P. S. Appelbaum, L. A. Uyehara, & M.R. Elin (Eds.), Trauma and memory: Clinical and legal controversies (pp. 316-343). New York: Oxford University Press.
11.
Poulin, J. E.
(1985). Long-term foster care: natural family attachment and loyalty conflict. Journal of Social Service Research, 9, 17-29.
12.
Swaine, J.
, & Gilson, J. (1998). Meeting the needs of adoptive parents under stress: A groupwork approach. Adoption and Fostering, 22(2), 44-53.
13.
Yule, W.
(1991). Helping children following disasters. In M. Herbert (Ed.), Clinical child psychology: Social learning, development and behaviour. Chichester, UK: Wiley.
