Crittenden PM, Robson K, Tooby A, Fleming C. Are mothers' protective attachment strategies related to their children's strategies?
Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2017;
22:358-377. [PMID:
28429614 DOI:
10.1177/1359104517704027]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS
We explored the relation between mothers' protective attachment strategies and those of their school-age children.
METHODS
In total, 49 child-mother dyads participated in a short longitudinal study when the children were 5.5 and 6.0 years old. Their strategies were first assessed with the Preschool Assessment of Attachment (PAA) and then with the School-age Assessment of Attachment (SAA). Mothers were assessed with the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI). The Dynamic-Maturational Model of Attachment and Adaptation (DMM) was used to classify the assessments.
RESULTS
The validity and precision of the DMM-AAI were supported: Mothers' AAI classifications were related to their referral group (normative or clinical) and measures of stress and distress. The DMM categories were more associated with risk than the Ainsworth categories. Types A, C and A/C were differentiated by trauma, triangulation and depression. Mothers' and children's protective attachment strategies were related, with B mothers having B children and A or C mothers having children using the same or opposite strategy. Children whose classification changed from the PAA to the SAA had mothers with complex traumas.
CONCLUSION
When psychosocial treatment is needed, knowing whether mother and child use the same or different strategies and whether mothers have complex trauma can affect treatment success.
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