The Hungry-for-Attention Metaphor: Integrating Narrative and Behavioural Therapy for Families With Attention Seeking Children

Abstract

Many families come to treatment with concerns about attention-seeking children. This paper examines the dominant socio-cultural and biological influences on individual parent and child narratives about attention-seeking behaviour and explores the misalignment between the two. A case study illustrates the reconstruction of the dominant problem-saturated story through the hungry-for-attention metaphor. Finally, the author proposes an integrative approach to combining narrative practices with behavioural interventions for families and professional caregivers.