Abstract:
The aim of this study was to explore the interactional patterns of children who have been
admitted to a psychiatric hospital in South Africa and their primary caregivers by means of
the Marschak Interaction Method (MIM). This study set out to describe the interactional
patterns observed as well as the similarities and differences between the dyads. Attachment
theory views the way in which the children interact with their primary caregivers as a crucial
influence in their development and functioning. A qualitative research design was
implemented to gather information regarding the interactional patterns of the dyads. Three
primary caregiver-child dyads participated in this study. The primary caregivers showed
similarities in that they were unable to react sensitively to their children s aggression and at
times were not attuned to their children s emotional states. The children in the dyads showed
similarities in that they took to the lead in the interactions. One child showed a marked
difference as he appeared to be more attuned to his primary caregiver s needs and seemed to
want to meet these needs. The two remaining children seemed to want to take control in the
interactions. This supports the current theory that states that children who are seen to have
disorganised interactions attempt to take control in two different forms: controlling punitive
or controlling care-giving.
