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Bernier A, Côté SM, Leclerc G, Matte-Gagné C, Marquis-Brideau C. Revisiting the childcare-attachment question: under what conditions is childcare participation associated with mother-child attachment security? Attach Hum Dev 2024; 26:95-115. [PMID: 38651702 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2024.2344521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Decades have passed since the controversy regarding the putative risks of childcare for mother-child attachment broke out. Yet, some uncertainty remains, as relevant studies have produced inconsistent evidence. Some have proposed that those conflicting findings may be due to the fact that the effects of childcare are conditioned on parenting. Accordingly, this study examined whether relations between childcare participation and mother-child attachment vary according to maternal sensitivity and autonomy support. In this sample of 236 mother-child dyads, there was no indication of main effects of childcare participation on attachment. There were, however, some interactive effects, such that the children who showed the least secure attachment behaviors were those who did not attend childcare and had either less sensitive or less autonomy-supportive mothers. The findings suggest that the effects of childcare on mother-child attachment are best understood in light of the parenting children receive at home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Bernier
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sylvana M Côté
- École de Santé Publique, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
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2
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Li D, Carnelley KB, Rowe AC. Insecure Attachment Orientation in Adults and Children and Negative Attribution Bias: A Meta-Analysis. PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY BULLETIN 2023; 49:1679-1694. [PMID: 36062321 DOI: 10.1177/01461672221117690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This is the first meta-analysis to synthesize the literature on insecure attachment and negative attribution bias (NAB) from both developmental and social/personality attachment traditions. This meta-analysis is important because extant studies report inconsistent associations, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the nature of these associations. Based on 41 samples (N = 8,727) from 32 articles, we specify and compare the effect sizes of these associations across studies. Results confirmed positive associations between NAB and anxious and avoidant attachment dimensions and an insecure composite, with a medium effect size. Correlations were moderated by age group, type of attachment measurement, and cultural background. Our findings advance knowledge and build on attachment and attribution theories, reconcile mixed findings, and inform the development of NAB interventions. Important gaps in the literature are revealed that will inspire future research.
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3
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Hogye SI, Lucassen N, Helmerhorst KOW, Vrolijk P, Keizer R. Changes in coercive parenting and child externalizing behavior across COVID-19 and the moderating role of parent-child attachment relationship quality. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290089. [PMID: 37824556 PMCID: PMC10569510 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Research indicates increases in coercive parenting towards children and increases in child externalizing behavior during COVID-19 as compared to the pre-pandemic period. In this preregistered study, we extended previous knowledge by investigating to what extent, and under what conditions, changes in coercive parenting and child externalizing behavior are interrelated. Ninety-five mothers and fathers of children (of age 3 prior to the pandemic) reported on coercive parenting and child externalizing behavior before and during the pandemic, and trained assistants observed the quality of mother-child and father-child attachment relationship prior to the pandemic. We employed latent change score modeling to test the extent to which changes in maternal and paternal coercive parenting and changes in child externalizing behavior across the pre-pandemic period and the onset of the first COVID-19 lockdown are interrelated. Moreover, we tested whether these linkages are moderated by changes in the other parent's coercive parenting and the quality of parent-child attachment relationship. Specifically, we tested the moderation by mother-child (father-child) attachment relationship quality in the relation between changes in mothers' (fathers') coercive parenting and changes in child externalizing behavior. We found that changes in mothers', but not fathers' coercive parenting were positively associated with changes in child externalizing behavior. We found no moderation by changes in the other parent's parenting or by parent-child attachment relationship quality. Our findings provide support for the transactional processes underlying mothers' and children's behavior in the context of non-normative stressful conditions. We recommend incorporating evidence-based (parenting) support for mothers, fathers, and young children in prevention strategies and recovery tools employed during and after future lockdowns and non-normative stressful events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara I. Hogye
- Department of Public Administration and Sociology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole Lucassen
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katrien O. W. Helmerhorst
- Department of Pedagogy and Educational Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paula Vrolijk
- Department of Public Administration and Sociology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Renske Keizer
- Department of Public Administration and Sociology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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4
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Bergsund HB, Drozd F, Olafsen KS, Nilsen KH, Linnerud S, Kjøbli J, Jacobsen H. The effect of relationship-based interventions for maltreated children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:1251-1271. [PMID: 34779375 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579421001164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Child maltreatment is characterized by a harmful relational environment which can have negative cascading consequences for the child's development. Relationship-based interventions may improve maltreated children's functioning by addressing key aspects of the parent-child relationship at various stages of development. The objective of the current study was to perform a systematic review on relationship-based interventions for maltreated children and a meta-analysis on the impact of these interventions on observed parent-child relational behavior. Data collection consisted of a comprehensive literature search in six databases and contacting experts in the field and hand searching relevant publications. In total, 5,802 abstracts were screened, of which 81 relevant publications were identified, representing 4,526 participants. The meta-analysis found large improvements in observed parent interactive behavior (g = 0.888), smaller improvements in child attachment (g = 0.403) and child interactive behavior (g = 0.274). The effect on parent interactive behavior was larger in interventions addressing middle childhood. Risk of bias assessments showed that a large number of studies suffer from poor reporting, which limits the conclusions of the findings. Future research should examine parent-child relationship behavior across multiple developmental stages, as well as the impact of developmentally appropriate intervention elements on maltreated children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Bugge Bergsund
- Section for Infants and Young Children, Regional Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway (RBUP), Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Filip Drozd
- Section for Infants and Young Children, Regional Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway (RBUP), Oslo, Norway
| | - Kåre S Olafsen
- Section for Prevention and Treatment Research, Regional Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway (RBUP), Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - John Kjøbli
- Section for Prevention and Treatment Research, Regional Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway (RBUP), Oslo, Norway
| | - Heidi Jacobsen
- Section for Infants and Young Children, Regional Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Eastern and Southern Norway (RBUP), Oslo, Norway
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5
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Volling BL, Oh W, Gonzalez R, Bader LR, Tan L, Rosenberg L. Changes in children's attachment security to mother and father after the birth of a sibling: Risk and resilience in the family. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:1404-1420. [PMID: 34903310 PMCID: PMC9192831 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579421001310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Changes in children's attachment security to mother and father were examined for 230 firstborn children (M = 31.17 months), their mothers and fathers participating in a longitudinal investigation starting in the last trimester of the mothers' pregnancy and 1, 4, 8, and 12 months after the birth of an infant sibling. Both parents completed the Attachment Q-set at prenatal, 4, and 12 months. Growth mixture models revealed four latent classes in which children's attachments were (a) both secure with a modest decline to both parents (68.3%); (b) more secure with father than mother with a steep decline for both (12.6%); (c) both insecure with no change (10%); and (d) more secure with mother than father with a modest increase for both (9.1%). Multi-group latent growth curve analyses revealed that parenting and coparenting differed across families. Children had lower externalizing behavior problems in families with two secure attachments than in families with one secure attachment, either to mother or to father, who, in turn, had fewer problems than children with two insecure attachments. Findings underscore the strengths of a family systems framework to understand attachment relationships with multiple caregivers and the family risks and protective factors that covary with children's behavioral adjustment after the birth of a sibling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda L. Volling
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Wonjung Oh
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Richard Gonzalez
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lauren R. Bader
- Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse, University of Toulouse Capitole, Toulouse, France
| | - Lin Tan
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lauren Rosenberg
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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6
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Carlone C, Milan S, Decoste C, Borelli JL, McMahon TJ, Suchman NE. Self-report measure of parental reflective functioning: A study of reliability and validity across three samples of varying clinical risk. Infant Ment Health J 2023; 44:240-254. [PMID: 36857469 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.22046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
The Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (PRFQ) provides an efficient way to measure a parent's capacity to recognize their child's mental states and to understand the relationship between underlying mental states and behavior. To date, limited work evaluates its psychometric properties beyond initial validation studies. Here we examined the reliability and validity of the PRFQ in three samples of varying clinical risk (e.g., community sample, previous mental health diagnosis, substance use disorder diagnosis). Across samples, the majority (e.g., 75%-78%) of mothers identified as White; all mothers were from the USA. We compared the PRFQ to task-based measures of mentalization, the Parent Development Interview (PDI), and measures of the parent-child relationship. The PRFQ was a reliable measure across samples, and it was associated in theoretically consistent ways with task-based measures of mentalization. Parental RF across the PDI and PRFQ were not highly correlated in a sample of mothers with substance use disorders. Existing RF measures may be tapping into a different component of the broader construct of parental reflective functioning (PRF). The PRFQ was further validated by demonstrating relationships with parent-report measures of the parent-child relationship. Taken together, these findings provide additional support for the reliability and validity of the PRFQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Carlone
- Department of Psychological Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Stephanie Milan
- Department of Psychological Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Cindy Decoste
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jessica L Borelli
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Thomas J McMahon
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Nancy E Suchman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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7
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Dégeilh F, Leblanc É, Daneault V, Beauchamp MH, Bernier A. Longitudinal associations between mother-child attachment security in toddlerhood and white matter microstructure in late childhood: a preliminary investigation. Attach Hum Dev 2023; 25:291-310. [PMID: 36794390 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2023.2172437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Early childhood experiences are considered to influence the strength and effectiveness of neural connections and thus the development of brain connectivity. As one of the most pervasive and potent early relational experiences, parent-child attachment is a prime candidate to account for experience-driven differences in brain development. Yet, knowledge of the effects of parent-child attachment on brain structure in typically developing children is scarce and largely limited to grey matter, whereas caregiving influences on white matter (i.e. neural connections) have seldom been explored. This study examined whether normative variation in mother-child attachment security predicts white matter microstructure in late childhood and explored associations with cognitive-inhibition. Mother-child attachment security was assessed using home observations when children (N = 32, 20 girls) were 15 and 26 months old. White matter microstructure was assessed using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging when children were 10 years old. Child cognitive-inhibition was tested when children were 11 years old. Results revealed a negative association between mother-toddler attachment security and child white matter microstructure organization, which in turn related to better child cognitive-inhibition. While preliminary given the sample size, these findings add to the growing literature that suggests that rich and positive experiences are likely to decelerate brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Dégeilh
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Élizabel Leblanc
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Véronique Daneault
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Functional Neuroimaging Unit, Montreal Geriatric University Institute, Quebec, Canada.,Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Montreal Sacré-Coeur Hospital, Quebec, Canada
| | - Miriam H Beauchamp
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Annie Bernier
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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8
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Wright B, Fearon P, Garside M, Tsappis E, Amoah E, Glaser D, Allgar V, Minnis H, Woolgar M, Churchill R, McMillan D, Fonagy P, O’Sullivan A, McHale M. Routinely used interventions to improve attachment in infants and young children: a national survey and two systematic reviews. Health Technol Assess 2023; 27:1-226. [PMID: 36722615 PMCID: PMC9900465 DOI: 10.3310/ivcn8847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attachment refers to an infant's innate tendency to seek comfort from their caregiver. Research shows that attachment is important in promoting healthy social and emotional development. Many parenting interventions have been developed to improve attachment outcomes for children. However, numerous interventions used in routine practice have a limited evidence base, meaning that we cannot be sure if they are helpful or harmful. OBJECTIVES This research aimed to conduct a large-scale survey to identify what interventions are being used in UK services to improve child attachment; conduct a systematic review to evaluate the evidence for parenting attachment interventions; and develop recommendations for future research and practice. DESIGN AND METHODS We worked closely with our Expert Reference Group to plan a large-scale survey focused on relevant UK services. We then conducted two systematic reviews. One searched for all randomised controlled trial evidence for any attachment parenting intervention. The second searched for all research for the top 10 routinely used interventions identified from the survey. RESULTS The survey collected 625 responses covering 734 UK services. The results identified the 10 most commonly used interventions. The responses showed a limited use of validated measures and a wide variety of definitions of attachment. For the first review, seven studies were included from 2516 identified records. These were combined with results from previous reviews conducted by the team. Meta-analyses showed that, overall, parenting interventions are effective in reducing disorganised attachment (pooled odds ratio 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.39 to 0.77) and increasing secure attachment (pooled odds ratio 1.85, 95% confidence interval 1.36 to 2.52). The second review searched the literature for the top 10 routinely used interventions identified by the survey; 61 studies were included from 1198 identified records. The results showed that many of the most commonly used interventions in UK services have a weak evidence base and those with the strongest evidence base are not as widely used. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for better links between research and practice to ensure that interventions offered to families are safe and effective. Possible reasons for the disparity include the cost and accessibility of training. There is also a need for improved understanding by professionals regarding the meaning of attachment. LIMITATIONS Although the survey had good geographical spread, most respondents were based in England. For review 2 we were unable to access a large number of papers; however, we conducted extensive reference checking to account for this. FUTURE WORK There is a need for robust research to test the efficacy of routinely used attachment interventions. Research could also explore why routinely used interventions are not consistently subject to thorough evaluation; how to embed dissemination, cost-effectiveness, fidelity and sustainability into research; and how to keep clinical practice up to date with research developments. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42019137362. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 27, No. 2. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry Wright
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
| | - Pasco Fearon
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Megan Garside
- Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Eleni Tsappis
- Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Elaine Amoah
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Danya Glaser
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Victoria Allgar
- Peninsula Medical School, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Helen Minnis
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Rachel Churchill
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Peter Fonagy
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
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9
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Salinas-Quiroz F, Rodríguez-Sánchez F, Cambón V, Silva P, Costa PA, Martínez A. Parental secure base support and child secure base use in mexican same-sex families. INTERPERSONA: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2022. [DOI: 10.5964/ijpr.6457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this research was to determine whether the well-documented link between heterosexual parents’ secure base support (i.e., sensitivity) and child secure base behavior (i.e., security) was present among Mexican same-sex families with 1-to 6-year-old-children. The sample included 22 child-caregiver dyads from four lesbian and four gay families. Four trained independent observers used the q-sort methodology (Maternal Behavior Q-set/Mother Behavior with Preschoolers Q-set and Attachment Q-set) to describe parents’ and children’s behavior, respectively. A robust regression model by Siegel method for predicting security with sensitivity as regressor was statistically significant for the whole sample with a statistical power of .89, consistent with the existing evidence in studies with different and same-sex families. Both sensitivity and attachment security are fundamentally relational constructs, not caregiver/child’s traits; they are relationship specific, as the results of the regression analysis showed. Despite the sample size, our findings prove attachment theory as a useful theoretical framework to study caregiver-child interactions no matter parents’ sexual orientation neither the family structure.
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10
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Pinquart M. Attachment security to mothers and fathers: A meta‐analysis on mean‐level differences and correlations of behavioural measures. INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/icd.2364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Pinquart
- Department of Psychology Philipps University Marburg Germany
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11
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Fourment K, Espinoza C, Ribeiro ACL, Mesman J. Latin American Attachment studies: A narrative review. Infant Ment Health J 2022; 43:653-676. [PMID: 35661377 PMCID: PMC9546405 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Attachment theory´s core hypotheses (universality, normativity, sensitivity, and competence) are assumed to be applicable worldwide. However, the majority of studies on attachment theory have been conducted in Western countries, and the extent to which these core hypotheses are supported by research conducted in Latin America has never been systematically addressed. The purpose of this systematic narrative literature review is to provide an integrative discussion of the current body of empirical studies concerning attachment theory conducted in Latin American countries. For that purpose, a search was conducted in four electronic databases (Web of Science, PsycInfo, SciELO, and Redalyc) and 82 publications on attachment and/or sensitivity met inclusion criteria. None of the studies reported cases in which an attachment relationship was absent, and a predominance of secure attachment patterns was found, mainly for non-risk samples (NRS). Sensitivity levels were generally deemed adequate in NRS, and related to attachment quality. Attachment security and caregivers' sensitivity were positively associated with child outcomes. Attachment-based intervention studies mostly showed efficacy. In conclusion, Latin American research supports the key theoretical assumptions of attachment theory, mainly in samples of urban middle-class NRS. However, the field of attachment-related research would be enriched by also investing in Latin American studies on caregiving rooted in local concepts and theories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Fourment
- Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands.,Department of Psychology, Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, Lima, Peru
| | - Camila Espinoza
- Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ana Carla Lima Ribeiro
- Graduate School of Social Psychology, University, of State of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Judi Mesman
- Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
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12
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Still Mother after All These Years: Infants Still Prefer Mothers over Fathers (If They Have the Choice). SOCIAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci11020051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fathering and mothering have changed in many ways within the last decades. Earlier studies showed a clear hierarchy in infant attachment figures with a preference for mothers. This study examined whether infants in the 21st century still prefer mothers over fathers in their expression of attachment behaviors, whether differences in parental involvement still exist, and whether this will result in differences in attachment security to mother and father. A total of 50 German families with infants between 10 and 19 months were observed in an experimental setting and during home visits. Parents reported on their involvement. The results revealed a clear hierarchy with regard to the duration of attachment behaviors directed towards mothers, followed by fathers and strangers. Mothers reported to be more involved in child care on weekdays compared to fathers. Involvement was not associated with attachment variables. Attachment security to mother and father was positively related and did not differ significantly. Infants in the 21st century in a Western country still prefer mothers over fathers in their expression of attachment behaviors. Mothers were more involved in child care than fathers. However, these differences did not result in differences in attachment security to mother and father.
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13
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Gerlach J, Fößel JM, Vierhaus M, Sann A, Eickhorst A, Zimmermann P, Spangler G. Family risk and early attachment development: The differential role of parental sensitivity. Infant Ment Health J 2022; 43:340-356. [PMID: 35020951 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Family risks are known to be detrimental to children's attachment development. This study investigated whether parental sensitivity plays different roles in early attachment development in the context of risk: Sensitivity was hypothesized to mediate risk effects on attachment, as well as a moderator that shapes the relation between risk and attachment. Multiple family risks, parental sensitivity (defined as responsivity and supportive presence), and children's attachment security of 197 infants and toddlers (Mage = 15.25 months) and their caregivers were assessed in a prospective study with a cohort-sequential-design in Germany. Caregivers' sensitivity served as a mediator of risk effects on attachment as well as a moderator that buffers adverse consequences of risk. Early sensitivity might be relevant in setting the stage for attachment development supporting resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Gerlach
- Department of Psychology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Marc Vierhaus
- Education and School Counselling District Gütersloh, Gütersloh, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Eickhorst
- Department of Social Work, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hanover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Peter Zimmermann
- Department of Developmental Psychology, University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Gottfried Spangler
- Department of Psychology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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14
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Forslund T, Hammarlund M, Granqvist P. Admissibility of attachment theory, research and assessments in child custody decision-making? Yes and No! New Dir Child Adolesc Dev 2021; 2021:125-140. [PMID: 34962346 DOI: 10.1002/cad.20447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Attachment theory, research, and assessments have become increasingly applied to settle child custody cases. We discuss such applications in relation to admissibility criteria for scientific evidence and testimony proposed by Faigman et al. (2014). We argue that attachment theory and research can provide valid "framework evidence"; group-based attachment research has yielded general principles suitable as a frame of reference for pertinent court decisions. In particular, child custody decision-making should generally be guided by research indicating that children benefit from attachment networks. In contrast, assessments of attachment quality fall short of providing valid "diagnostic evidence"; information that a specific individual/dyad is a "true" instance of a general group-level principle. In particular, such assessments do not yield valid information about whether a particular caregiver has better caregiving skills than another caregiver and will better support child development. We conclude that attachment theory and research should be admissible for framework but not for diagnostic testimony.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommie Forslund
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Pehr Granqvist
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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15
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Witte AM, de Moor MHM, Szepsenwol O, van IJzendoorn MH, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ, Shai D. Developmental trajectories of infant nighttime awakenings are associated with infant-mother and infant-father attachment security. Infant Behav Dev 2021; 65:101653. [PMID: 34655886 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2021.101653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This longitudinal study examined developmental trajectories of infant sleep problems from 3 to 24 months old and investigated associations with infant-parent attachment security and dependency. In a sample of 107 Israeli families, number and duration of infant nighttime awakenings were measured at 3, 6, 9, and 24 months old, using mothers' and fathers' reports on the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire (BISQ). Infant-parent attachment security and infant-parent dependency was assessed at 24 months old, using the observer Attachment Q-Sort procedure (AQS) with both parents. Latent growth curve models showed a non-linear decline in number and duration of infant nighttime awakenings over time. A higher number and longer duration of infant nighttime awakenings at 3 months were associated with higher infant-father attachment security at 24 months. In contrast, longer infant nighttime awakenings at 3 months were predictive of lower infant-mother attachment security at 24 months. A steeper decrease in duration of infant nighttime awakenings was associated with higher infant-father attachment security and lower infant-mother attachment security. As a potential mechanism, paternal involvement in nighttime caregiving was explored in relation to infant-father attachment security. Results of our post-hoc analyses revealed no significant associations between paternal involvement in nighttime caregiving and infant-father attachment security. Our results highlight the need to examine potential mechanisms explaining the divergent associations of infant sleep problems with infant-mother and infant-father attachment security in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemieke M Witte
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Marleen H M de Moor
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ohad Szepsenwol
- Department of Education, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Israel
| | - Marinus H van IJzendoorn
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marian J Bakermans-Kranenburg
- Clinical Child & Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Dana Shai
- SEED Center, School of Behavior Sciences, Academic College Tel Aviv-Yaffo, Israel
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16
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Bendel-Stenzel LC, An D, Kochanska G. Parent-child relationship and child anger proneness in infancy and attachment security at toddler age: a short-term longitudinal study of mother- and father-child dyads. Attach Hum Dev 2021; 24:423-438. [PMID: 34491149 PMCID: PMC8898988 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2021.1976399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Early parent-child relationship and child negative emotionality have both been studied as contributors to attachment security, but few studies have examined whether negative emotionality can moderate effects of parent-child relationship on security and whether the process is comparable across mother- and father-child dyads and different security measures. In 102 community families, we observed parent-child shared positive affect and infants' anger proneness at 7 months, and attachment security at 15 months, using observer-rated Attachment Q-Set (AQS) and a continuous measure derived from Strange Situation Paradigm (SSP). For mother-child dyads, high shared positive affect and low anger proneness were associated with AQS security. Those effects were qualified by their interaction: Variations in shared positive affect were associated with security only for relatively more anger-prone children. That effect reflected the diathesis-stress model. For father-child dyads, shared positive affect was associated with security. There were no effects for SSP security with either parent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Danming An
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Grazyna Kochanska
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
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17
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Carlone C, Milan S. Maternal Depression and Child Externalizing Behaviors: The Role of Attachment Across Development in Low-income Families. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2021; 49:603-614. [PMID: 33512615 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-020-00747-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Early attachment quality may be a lasting source of vulnerability or protection in children's development. In this study, we examine whether attachment quality at age three moderates the impact of subsequent exposure to maternal depression (at age five or nine) on children's externalizing symptoms at age nine. The sample included 1,917 low-income families (mean child age = 9.28; 55.9% African-American, 20.6% White, 20.0% Latina, 3.5% Other) from the Fragile Families and Child Well Being Study. At age three, 23.9% of children were categorized as insecurely attached based on maternal report of their child's attachment behaviors. At age nine, mothers, teachers, and children reported on the child's externalizing behaviors. Mothers also completed measures of maternal depression at child age three, five, and nine. Controlling for age three externalizing (by maternal report) and age three maternal depression as well as various demographic factors, attachment quality interacted with exposure to subsequent maternal depression in predicting externalizing behaviors at age nine. Interaction effects were evident in mother, teacher, and child report of externalizing. Across all three reporters, exposure to maternal depression was associated with greater externalizing behaviors in children who exhibited insecure attachment behaviors at age three. These findings highlight the potential benefit of interventions to improve early parent-child relationships for families at elevated risk because of maternal mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Carlone
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, 406 Babbidge Road U1020, Storrs, 06269, CT, USA.
| | - Stephanie Milan
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, 406 Babbidge Road U1020, Storrs, 06269, CT, USA
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18
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Mother Behavior Q-Set (MBQS)Dimensionalidad del Q-set del comportamiento materno en muestras de México, Colombia y Uruguay. REVISTA IBEROAMERICANA DE PSICOLOGÍA 2021. [DOI: 10.33881/2027-1786.rip.13307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
La sensibilidad se refiere a la capacidad del cuidador para percibir las señales del niño, interpretarlas correctamente y responder a ellas de manera contingente y apropiada. El Q Set del Comportamiento Materno (MBQS) fue creado a partir de descripciones teóricas y empíricas de la sensibilidad. Los Q-sorts se asocian con la metodología cuantitativa debido a que asignan puntajes; además, combinan la metodología cualitativa al hacer un estudio sistemático de la subjetividad. Son pocos los artículos que se ocupan de explorar el análisis, la validez interna, la confiabilidad o la replicabilidad externa de los Q-sorts. Usualmente los datos se reducen por medio de un análisis de componentes principales o análisis factorial. Sin embargo, en los Q-sorts se correlacionan los participantes para dilucidar las relaciones entre ellos en lugar de correlacionar las variables. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue encontrar evidencia respecto a la validez basada en la estructura interna del MBQS con el apoyo del software R y el paquete qmethod. Colaboraron 37 díadas mexicanas mamá-bebés, 35 colombianas y 24 uruguayas. En el 2002, Posada y colaboradores propusieron siete escalas. Las escalas en las que nuestro modelo factorial presentó un buen ajuste son las que tienen menos ítems, lo cual puede ser indicativo de que la falta de ajuste tiene que ver con la identificación del modelo debido a que se cuenta con pocas observaciones. Consideramos que tanto el uso del MBQS para evaluar la sensibilidad como del paquete qmethod para realizar el análisis resulta novedoso, relevante y pertinente.
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19
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Monette S, Cyr C, Terradas MM, Couture S, Minnis H, Lehmann S. Development and Validation of a Measure of Attachment Disorders Based on DSM-5 Criteria: The Early TRAuma-Related Disorders Questionnaire (ETRADQ). Assessment 2020; 29:556-571. [PMID: 33380162 DOI: 10.1177/1073191120981763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A review of the scientific literature showed few valid tools for assessing reactive attachment disorder (RAD) and disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED), two diagnostic entities traditionally grouped under "attachment disorders." The Early TRAuma-related Disorders Questionnaire (ETRADQ), a caregiver report, was developed to assess attachment disorders in school-age children based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth edition criteria. This study sought to validate this instrument. METHOD Caregivers of school-age children from the community (n = 578) and caregivers of at-risk children adopted or in out-of-home care (n = 245) completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the ETRADQ, the Relationship Problem Questionnaire, the RADA (RAD and DSED Assessment) interview, and the Barkley Functional Impairment Scale for Children and Adolescents. RESULTS Confirmatory factor analysis of the ETRADQ items supported the expected organization of the measure, that is, two second-order factors and five subfactors: (1) RAD scale (three subscales: Low selective attachment, Low social and emotional responsiveness, Emotional unpredictability) and (2) DSED scale (two subscales: Interactions with unfamiliar adults, Social disinhibition). All scales showed excellent internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergent validity, and known-group validity. CONCLUSIONS Results support the reliability and validity of the ETRADQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastien Monette
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Chantal Cyr
- Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Miguel M Terradas
- CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Université de Sherbrooke, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sophie Couture
- CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'île-de-Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Stine Lehmann
- Norce Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Hordaland, Norway.,University of Bergen, Bergen, Hordaland, Norway
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20
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Lee JK, Schoppe-Sullivan SJ, Beauchaine TP. Serotonergic sensitivity alleles moderate relations between attachment security at age three and socioemotional competence at age five. Dev Psychobiol 2020; 63:698-712. [PMID: 32978978 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Children with higher socioemotional competence are more likely to build constructive relationships with others and experience more positive adjustment outcomes in later periods. Securely attached children are likely to develop better socioemotional competence, but genetic moderation of associations between attachment and later socioemotional competence has received less attention. Using structural equation modeling, this study analyzed data collected from 1,337 children (51% male) born from 1998 to 2000 in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing study. The results demonstrated that relations between attachment security at age 3 years and their social competence at age 5 years differed by two serotonin transporter variants (5-HTTLPR, STin2). Effect sizes of these interactions were larger than effect sizes of main effects and the benefit of having sensitive alleles was consistently supported. This implies that having more secure attachment in the early developmental period is advantageous especially for children with minor alleles who have greater environmental sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Kyung Lee
- Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
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21
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Verschueren K, Spilt JL. Understanding the origins of child-teacher dependency: mother-child attachment security and temperamental inhibition as antecedents. Attach Hum Dev 2020; 23:504-522. [PMID: 32319339 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2020.1751988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the joint contribution of child-mother attachment quality and child temperamental inhibition to the development of child-teacher dependency. A sample of 237 kindergartners (Mage = 60.2 months) and their teachers from 36 classrooms participated. Preschool child-mother attachment quality was assessed using the Attachment Q-set. Behavioral inhibition was rated by the preschool teacher. Dependency was assessed at three waves during kindergarten, using observer and teacher reports. In line with assumptions from attachment theory, less securely attached children were observed to be more overly reliant on their teacher in class. For behavioral inhibition, a divergent picture emerged depending on the assessment of dependency: Classroom observations yielded less (overt) indications of dependency among more inhibited children, whereas teachers reported more (covert) expressions of dependency. These results suggest that different measures may capture different aspects of the multifaceted construct of dependency, thus calling for more conceptual and empirical work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine Verschueren
- School Psychology and Development in Context, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jantine L Spilt
- School Psychology and Development in Context, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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22
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Voges J, Berg A, Niehaus DJH. Revisiting the African origins of attachment research-50 years on from Ainsworth: A descriptive review. Infant Ment Health J 2019; 40:799-816. [PMID: 31402473 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Culture plays a significant role in the variations observed in the manifestation, expression, and meaning of attachment behaviors. Africa is home to multiple cultures, with distinct organizations of caregiving relationships underlying the development of attachment. This review aims to consolidate knowledge about African attachment by describing studies of infant attachment conducted in Africa since Mary Ainsworth's Ugandan findings in 1967. Electronic databases were searched with the terms "Africa" ("attachment" or "bond") and "infant." Nine studies that assessed infant attachment style with self-report or observation methods were included, but spanned only five countries. The Strange Situation Procedure was most frequently used. Most studies described dyads living in peri-urban or township areas. Multiple socioeconomic factors affecting living conditions were identified, including, unemployment, financial difficulties, limited education, poor housing, single parenthood, lack of partner support, substance abuse, and depression. Overall distributions of attachment classification proportions appear consistent with global attachment-classification patterns. Despite adverse conditions, secure attachment was relatively widespread, and some populations had low rates of avoidant attachment. Relatively high rates of disorganized attachment were found when the category was included. Africa remains an understudied continent regarding infant attachment. The continent's cultural diversity may hold important truths necessary for understanding the complex relationship between infant and attachment figure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juané Voges
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.,Stikland Hospital, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Astrid Berg
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dana J H Niehaus
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.,Stikland Hospital, Bellville, South Africa
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23
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Feugé ÉA, Cyr C, Cossette L, Julien D. Adoptive gay fathers' sensitivity and child attachment and behavior problems. Attach Hum Dev 2018; 22:247-268. [PMID: 30571928 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2018.1557224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Fathers' sensitivity and child attachment security and externalizing and internalizing problems were investigated among families headed by two adoptive gay fathers. A sample of 68 fathers and their 34 children aged 1-6 years participated in the study. Fathers completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Child Behavior Checklist. Parental sensitivity and child attachment security were assessed by independent coders with Q-sort methodology during parent-child interactions at home. Results indicate that few children had low attachment security scores and behavior problems in the clinical range. Fathers' sensitivity within parenting couples appeared similarly high, as did children's attachment security. In contrast to the weak association found in past studies among heterosexual fathers, a significant moderate correlation was found between paternal sensitivity and child attachment security. Also, children with higher levels of attachment security had less externalizing problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éric Alain Feugé
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Chantal Cyr
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Louise Cossette
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Danielle Julien
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Canada
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24
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Salinas-Quiroz F, Rodríguez-Sánchez F, Costa PA, Rosales M, Silva P, Cambón V. Can Children Have Ordinary Expectable Caregiving Environments in Unconventional Contexts? Quality of Care Organization in Three Mexican Same-Sex Planned Families. Front Psychol 2018; 9:2349. [PMID: 30555377 PMCID: PMC6284047 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this research was to explore the elements that configure the quality of care among three Mexican same-sex planned families: two female-parented families (through donor insemination) and a male-parented one (through adoption). The first family consisted of two mothers and a 3-year-old daughter; the second one had two mothers and a 1.5-year-old set of boy twins and the third family consisted of two fathers and a 2-year-old girl. It was assumed that Ainsworth’s notions of quality of care organization are useful in order to understand caregiver–child attachment relationships, regardless of the parents’ sexual orientation. A collective case study was selected due to the fact that these families shared their “unconventionality” (i.e., parents were not heterosexual) and the fact that they were planned, but each one constituted a particular case with a unique configuration. Four trained independent observers used the q-sort methodology (Maternal Behavior Q-Sort and Attachment Q-Sort) to describe parents’ and children’s behavior, respectively. The findings showed that parents were highly sensitive and all children used them as a secure base. To provide an in-depth examination of which elements configure the quality of care, a semi-structured interview with each parent was carried out. Through a thematic analysis, an over-arching theme named Affections and Emotions was identified, together with six subthemes: (1) Creating an affective environment; (2) Being available; (3) Acknowledging and expressing emotions; (4) Perceiving, interpreting and responding adequately to the child’s real self; (5) Taking the child’s perspective into account; and (6) Agreeing on roles and dividing the tasks. In order to showcase the particular configuration of gay parenting, the male-headed family narrative is reported in detail, because gay parents have been perceived as violating traditional gender roles as well as the hegemonic model of masculinity. The findings were consistent with the notion of quality of care as proposed by Ainsworth and her collaborators. The implications of the methodological device and research regarding same-sex planned families are discussed so as to understand the organization of the caregiving environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pedro A Costa
- William James Center for Research, Instituto Universitário de Ciências Psicológicas, Sociais e da Vida, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Paola Silva
- Institute of Psychology, Education and Human Development, University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Verónica Cambón
- Institute of Psychology, Education and Human Development, University of the Republic, Montevideo, Uruguay
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25
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Zimmermann P, Iwanski A. Attachment Disorder behavior in early and middle childhood: associations with children’s self-concept and observed signs of negative internal working models. Attach Hum Dev 2018; 21:170-189. [DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2018.1499212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Zimmermann
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Wuppertal University, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Alexandra Iwanski
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Wuppertal University, Wuppertal, Germany
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26
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Atkinson L. Reactive Attachment Disorder and attachment theory from infancy to adolescence: review, integration, and expansion. Attach Hum Dev 2018; 21:205-217. [PMID: 30014775 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2018.1499214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
In reviewing the preceding articles, I emphasize the predominance of relational theories in the study of development as a way of demonstrating the evolutionary and relational extremity of reactive attachment disorder (RAD). The lack (or distortion?) of mutuality, RAD's defining feature, has implications for all aspects of development, not least of which is self-regulation. I review each article in this special issue, emphasizing important features, integrating across studies, expanding their links to attachment theory, and recommending future directions. Finally, I conduct two meta-analyses of the samples in this special issue, one meta-analysis addressing convergent validity of RAD assessment instrumentation developed by authors represented here and the other addressing the links between RAD and internalizing and externalizing behaviors. This special issue exploits the disaggregation of reactive attachment and disinhibited social engagement disorders to move the field forward in remarkable ways, both methodologically and substantively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Atkinson
- a Department of Psychology , Ryerson University , Toronto , Canada
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27
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Leblanc É, Dégeilh F, Daneault V, Beauchamp MH, Bernier A. Attachment Security in Infancy: A Preliminary Study of Prospective Links to Brain Morphometry in Late Childhood. Front Psychol 2017; 8:2141. [PMID: 29312029 PMCID: PMC5733037 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A large body of longitudinal research provides compelling evidence for the critical role of early attachment relationships in children’s social, emotional, and cognitive development. It is expected that parent–child attachment relationships may also impact children’s brain development, however, studies linking normative caregiving experiences and brain structure are scarce. To our knowledge, no study has yet examined the associations between the quality of parent–infant attachment relationships and brain morphology during childhood. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the prospective links between mother–infant attachment security and whole-brain gray matter (GM) volume and thickness in late childhood. Attachment security toward the mother was assessed in 33 children when they were 15 months old. These children were then invited to undergo structural magnetic resonance imaging at 10–11 years of age. Results indicated that children more securely attached to their mother in infancy had larger GM volumes in the superior temporal sulcus and gyrus, temporo-parietal junction, and precentral gyrus in late childhood. No associations between attachment security and cortical thickness were found. If replicated, these results would suggest that a secure attachment relationship and its main features (e.g., adequate dyadic emotion regulation, competent exploration) may influence GM volume in brain regions involved in social, cognitive, and emotional functioning through experience-dependent processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Élizabel Leblanc
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Fanny Dégeilh
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Véronique Daneault
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Functional Neuroimaging Unit, University of Montreal's Geriatric Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Miriam H Beauchamp
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Annie Bernier
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
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