Very fascinating. I think your focus is actually very helpful to the intertwined communities dealing with addiction or RAD. I hope the research continues. I am fine being wrong in my opinion, and would adjust accordingly, if it helps families.
One thing that throws me off is all the defining points, like am I a successful adult? I guess not, with two failed marriages. Did I feel loved as a child? Yes, I did. Was I abandoned for most of the day at age 2? Yes, I was. My own case is confusing to me. I was a bit adrift and a classic perfect victim sort of child. No substance abuse (addiction) whatsoever even with tons of (including involuntary) drug exposure. So many things went wrong but not that. But I’m not a very strong case and no RAD at all.
The dopamine loop is real, and it seems many are caught up in it from social media to shopping to substances. I like your focus and wish you success.
Thanks for your kind words. We are willing to extend the bother and some risk because the issues and lives are so important.
I don't know that you were greatly wrong--certainly not wholesale.
One thing that throws me off is all the defining points, like am I a successful adult? I guess not, with two failed marriages.
They chose to set the bar in that study high. They wanted to know fairly clearly and emphatically what contributed most to success as adults.
However, as you've indicated below--your success as an adult has not been seamless or all 100% top flight in every respect and area, if I understand you accurately.
Did I feel loved as a child? Yes, I did. Was I abandoned for most of the day at age 2? Yes, I was. My own case is confusing to me. I was a bit adrift and a classic perfect victim sort of child. No substance abuse (addiction) whatsoever even with tons of (including involuntary) drug exposure. So many things went wrong but not that. But I’m not a very strong case and no RAD at all.
It is hard to tell without asking some questions how much you fit ANY RAD factors at all, or not. We suspect there may be at least a few. We say that partly because we have never met anyone who divorced when both parties were LACKING in RAD factors/influences. It's conceivable. We have just never met such a person.
For one, someone who is totally free of RAD is unlikely to marry someone who is awash in it. It happens, but it's not a given, for sure.
The dopamine loop is real, and it seems many are caught up in it from social media to shopping to substances. I like your focus and wish you success.
Thanks for your charitable tone and good wishes. Likewise back at you from both of us in out household.