1
|
Jia C, Shen Y, Fang M, Du K, Qin J. The effects of maternal competence and situational stress level on children's help-seeking expectations across 4 to 6 years of age. J Exp Child Psychol 2024; 244:105947. [PMID: 38705098 DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2024.105947] [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: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Help-seeking is a crucial problem-solving strategy for young children. However, it is not yet clear how children weigh different cues to make help-seeking decisions across preschool years, especially in caregiver-child interactions. The current study used a social expectation task to examine the effects of maternal competence and situational stress level on 4- to 6-year-old children's help-seeking expectations from a third-party perspective. Children's expectations of whether to seek help were measured. A total fo 135 Han Chinese children aged 4 to 6 years from an eastern city of China participated in this study. We found that 4- to 6-year-olds expected to seek more help from a competent mother than from an incompetent mother in low-stress conditions. When the stress level was high, however, they expected to seek help regardless of maternal competence levels. These results suggest that the interaction between the situational stress level and maternal competence determines young children's help-seeking expectations across preschool years. They further suggest that young children seek help from mothers in an active and discriminatory way.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Jia
- Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 310016, China
| | - Yuan Shen
- Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 310016, China
| | - Mengting Fang
- Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 310016, China
| | - Kelin Du
- Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 310016, China
| | - Jinliang Qin
- Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, Zhejiang 310016, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cuyvers B, van IJzendoorn M, Bakermans-Kranenburg M, Verhaeghe J, Molenberghs G, Lafit G, Houbrechts M, Bosmans G. Oxytocin and state attachment responses to secure base support after stress in middle childhood. Attach Hum Dev 2024; 26:1-21. [PMID: 38240065 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2024.2304874] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/24/2024]
Abstract
We tried to replicate the finding that receiving care increases children's oxytocin and secure state attachment levels, and tested whether secure trait attachment moderates the oxytocin and state attachment response to care. 109 children (9-11 years old; M = 9.59; SD = 0.63; 34.9% boys) participated in a within-subject experiment. After stress induction (Trier Social Stress Test), children first remained alone and then received maternal secure base support. Salivary oxytocin was measured eight times. Secure trait and state attachment were measured with questionnaires, and Secure Base Script knowledge was assessed. Oxytocin levels increased after receiving secure base support from mother after having been alone. Secure state attachment changed less. Trait attachment and Secure Base Script knowledge did not moderate oxytocin or state attachment responses to support. This might mean that, regardless of the attachment history, in-the-moment positive attachment experiences might have a beneficial effect on trait attachment development in middle childhood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bien Cuyvers
- Clinical Psychology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Child & Youth Institute, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Marian Bakermans-Kranenburg
- William James Center for Research, ISPA - Instituto Universitário, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Psychology, Personality, Social and Developmental Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Verhaeghe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Ginette Lafit
- Methodology of Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Melisse Houbrechts
- Clinical Psychology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Child & Youth Institute, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guy Bosmans
- Clinical Psychology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Child & Youth Institute, KU Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
De Coen J, Verbeken S, Goossens L. Body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem in elementary school-aged children: the role of media pressure and trust in parent-child relationships. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1228860. [PMID: 38235278 PMCID: PMC10791762 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1228860] [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: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies have indicated that the media plays a role in the development of body dissatisfaction in children. Nevertheless, there is limited understanding of the protective factors that may reduce this association, such as the parent-child relationship. Therefore, this study investigates children's body dissatisfaction and self-esteem and the role of media pressure and a trust in parent-child relationships herein. A sample of n = 246 participants (59.8% girls, aged 8-10) was recruited. Children completed self-report questionnaires that assessed body dissatisfaction, self-esteem, media pressure, and trust in parent-child relationships. Results revealed that higher scores on media pressure were linked to increased body dissatisfaction and decreased self-esteem. On the other hand, higher scores on trust in mother and father were associated with lower levels of body dissatisfaction and higher levels of self-esteem. However, the presence of trust in parent-child relationships did not attenuate the impact of media pressure on body dissatisfaction or self-esteem. Further investigation is necessary to gain a deeper understanding of how sociocultural and interpersonal factors interact and contribute to the development of body image problems. While current prevention and intervention programs predominantly focus on the individual, it may be beneficial to place greater emphasis on the family environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jolien De Coen
- Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Van Vlierberghe L, Diamond G, Bosmans G. Middle childhood attachment-based family therapy: Theory and model description. FAMILY PROCESS 2023; 62:1040-1054. [PMID: 37070348 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
In middle childhood, the first manifestations of mental health problems can emerge and become a precursor of mental health issues in adolescence. Given that weak parent-child attachment can contribute to this distress, it is possible that strengthening the attachment bond could reduce risk trajectory. Unfortunately, evidence-based attachment-focused interventions are lacking at this age. Attachment-based family therapy (ABFT) is a well-studied intervention for troubled adolescents and has the potential to be extended downward to children. However, ABFT for adolescents focuses on mentalization and trauma conversation strategies that may be developmentally advanced for children's capacities. Therefore, we modified the intervention strategies to be more developmentally sensitive to childhood. Middle childhood ABFT (MCABFT) builds on the theory that insecure attachment develops through a learning process that can be interrupted and reorganized to promote secure attachment development. MCABFT uses less conversation and more play and puts parents more at the center of the therapy compared with ABFT for adolescents. In this article, we describe MCABFT's theoretical and clinical model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leen Van Vlierberghe
- Clinical Psychology Research Group, KULeuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guy Diamond
- Center for Family Intervention Science, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Guy Bosmans
- Clinical Psychology Research Group, KULeuven (University of Leuven), Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Camerman E, Scheveneels S, Bosmans G. In safe hands: Attachment figures' safety properties and the link with attachment style. Behav Res Ther 2023; 163:104274. [PMID: 36803742 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2023.104274] [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: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
According to the Learning Theory of Attachment, naturalistic learning experiences about others' responsiveness during distress are an underlying mechanism in the development of attachment. Previous studies have demonstrated attachment figures' unique safety-inducing effects in highly controlled conditioning procedures. Yet, neither have studies examined the presumed influence of safety learning on state attachment, nor have they examined how attachment figures' safety-inducing effects relate to attachment styles. To address these gaps, a differential fear conditioning paradigm was used in which pictures of participants' attachment figure and two control stimuli served as safety cues (CS-). US-expectancy and distress ratings were measured as indicators of fear responding. Results indicate that attachment figures evoked enhanced safety responding compared to control safety cues at the start of acquisition, which was maintained throughout acquisition and when presented together with a danger cue. Attachment figures' safety-inducing effects were reduced in individuals with higher attachment avoidance, although attachment style did not affect the rate of new safety learning. Finally, safe experiences with the attachment figure in the fear conditioning procedure resulted in diminished anxious state attachment. Adding to previous work, these findings underscore the importance of learning processes for attachment development and attachment figures' provision of safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eline Camerman
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Sara Scheveneels
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Guy Bosmans
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Boddez Y, Van Dessel P, De Houwer J. Learned helplessness and its relevance for psychological suffering: a new perspective illustrated with attachment problems, burn-out, and fatigue complaints. Cogn Emot 2022; 36:1027-1036. [PMID: 36107793 DOI: 10.1080/02699931.2022.2118239] [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: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
We develop a new perspective on various forms of psychological suffering - including attachment issues, burn-out, and fatigue complaints - by drawing on the construct of learned helplessness. We conceptualise learned helplessness in operant terms as the behavioural effects of a lack of reinforcement and in goal-directed terms as the dysregulation of goal-directed behaviour. Our central claim is that if one fails to reach a goal (e.g. the goal to secure a job), then not only this goal but also other related goals (e.g. the goal to maintain social relationships) may lose their motivating effects. The similarity relation between goal stimuli can therefore shed light on how failure in one life domain can come to affect various other life domains. We detail the relation between our proposal and existing theories and discuss new research and clinical directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Boddez
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Center for the Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Dessel
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan De Houwer
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gruneau Brulin J, Shaver PR, Mikulincer M, Granqvist P. Attachment in the time of COVID-19: Insecure attachment orientations are associated with defiance of authorities' guidelines during the pandemic. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2022; 39:2528-2548. [PMID: 38603004 PMCID: PMC8919108 DOI: 10.1177/02654075221082602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
Previous research has linked people's relational attachment orientations to emotional reactions and coping during crises, and to social trust and trust in societal institutions. The COVID-19 pandemic is a global crisis for which collective efforts, such as social distancing, are necessary to stop the spread of the virus. During previous pandemics, people high in trust have typically adhered to such efforts. In the present study, we investigated whether attachment orientations were related to people's adherence to authorities' guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19. We also tested whether previous mediational findings-linking attachment-related avoidance to welfare state trust via social trust-would replicate. We used a web-based survey of 620 participants. Our findings showed that attachment-related anxiety was linked to low adherence to social distancing regulations. This finding was especially noteworthy because high attachment-anxious participants also experienced more negative emotions, yet negative emotions were generally linked to high adherence. Thus, people higher in attachment anxiety seem to have more difficulties in avoiding social situations despite heightened risk of catching and spreading the virus. In addition, attachment-related avoidance was negatively related to adherence and to welfare state trust, and its effects on welfare state trust were statistically mediated by low social trust.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mario Mikulincer
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology,
Reichman University (IDC Herzliya), Israel
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hornstra R, Dekkers TJ, Bosmans G, van den Hoofdakker B, van der Oord S. Attachment Representation Moderates the Effectiveness of Behavioral Parent Training Techniques for Children with ADHD: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Microtrial. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2022; 50:1151-1164. [PMID: 35362776 PMCID: PMC9525431 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-022-00921-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral parent training is an evidence-based intervention for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but knowledge on the differential effects of behavioral techniques for specific subgroups of children is very limited. Attachment representations of children with ADHD may affect how receptive children are to changes in parenting. In this study, we investigated whether specific behavioral techniques were more or less effective for children with ADHD in relation to their attachment representations. We included parents of 74 children with ADHD (4-11 years, M = 8.15) who took part in a larger randomized controlled microtrial in which they were randomized to a two session training in antecedent-based techniques (i.e., stimulus control techniques: rules, instructions; n = 26), a two session training in consequent-based techniques (i.e., contingency management techniques: praise, rewards, ignoring; n = 25) or a waitlist control condition (n = 23). We examined whether attachment representation moderated the effectiveness of a) training versus waitlist, and b) antecedent- versus consequent-based techniques. Attachment representations were measured with a story stem task, the intervention outcome was daily parent-rated problem behaviors of the children. Attachment representation did not moderate the effects of the training compared to the waitlist. However, compared to antecedent-based techniques, consequent-based techniques were less effective for more securely and less disorganized attached children, and particularly effective for more disorganized attached children. This was the first study examining attachment as a moderator of behavioral techniques for ADHD. If replicated, the findings of this study can be used for treatment development and tailoring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rianne Hornstra
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
- Accare Child Study Center, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Tycho J Dekkers
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Accare Child Study Center, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Academic Center for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Levvel, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center (AUMC), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Guy Bosmans
- Department of Clinical Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Barbara van den Hoofdakker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Accare Child Study Center, Groningen, the Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Saskia van der Oord
- Department of Clinical Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Leuven Brain Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bosmans G, Van Vlierberghe L, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ, Kobak R, Hermans D, van IJzendoorn MH. A Learning Theory Approach to Attachment Theory: Exploring Clinical Applications. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2022; 25:591-612. [PMID: 35098428 PMCID: PMC8801239 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-021-00377-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Although clinicians typically acknowledge the importance of insecure attachment as one factor that can contribute to children's psychopathology, translating attachment theory into clinical practice has proved a challenge. By specifying some of the mechanisms through which the child's attachment develops and changes, learning theory can enhance attachment based approaches to therapy. Specifically, interventions building on operant (parent management training) and classical (exposure therapy) learning can be used to stimulate new learning that increases the child's security and confidence in the parent's availability and responsiveness. To explore the clinical application and utility of a Learning Theory of Attachment (LTA), we focus on two attachment-focused interventions: Video-feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP-SD) and Middle Childhood Attachment-based Family Therapy (MCAT). VIPP-SD is an evidence-based parent management training designed to promote sensitive parenting and secure attachment in early childhood. MCAT is a recently developed intervention that uses exposure to stimulate secure attachment in middle childhood. LTA sheds light on the mechanisms set in train by VIPP-SD and MCAT facilitating the induction of professionals in clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guy Bosmans
- Clinical Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | | | - Roger Kobak
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, USA
| | - Dirk Hermans
- Centre for Psychology of Learning and Experimental Psychopathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marinus H van IJzendoorn
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Research Department of Clinical, Education and Health Psychology, Faculty of Brain Sciences, UCL, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Attachment Representations in Children with and without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11111516. [PMID: 34827515 PMCID: PMC8615467 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11111516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children is associated with several adverse family characteristics, such as higher parenting stress, more conflicted parent–child relationships, lower parental competence, and higher levels of parental psychopathology. Hence, children with ADHD more often grow up under suboptimal circumstances, which may impact the development of their attachment representations. Here, we investigated whether children with ADHD have more insecure and disorganized attachment representations than their typically developing peers, and which factors could explain this association. We included 104 children between 4 and 11 years old, 74 with ADHD (without Conduct Disorder) and 30 typically developing control children. Children completed a state-of-the-art story stem task to assess their attachment representation, and we measured parents’ expressed emotion (as an index of parent–child relationship quality), parents’ perceived sense of competence, parental education levels, and parent-rated ODD symptoms of the child. We found that, after controlling for multiple comparisons, children with ADHD had less secure and more ambivalent and disorganized attachment representations relative to their typically developing peers. These group differences were independent of comorbid ODD and parental education levels. There were no group differences on avoidant attachment representations. Explorative analyses within the ADHD group showed that attachment representations were not related to parent–child relationship quality, perceived parenting competence, parental education levels, and comorbid ODD symptoms. We conclude that children with ADHD disproportionately often have attachment problems. Although this conclusion is important, treatment implications of this co-occurrence are yet unclear as research on ADHD and attachment is still in its infancy.
Collapse
|
11
|
Schuengel C, Verhage ML, Duschinsky R. Prospecting the attachment research field: a move to the level of engagement. Attach Hum Dev 2021; 23:375-395. [DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2021.1918449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Schuengel
- Clinical Child and Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marije L. Verhage
- Clinical Child and Family Studies, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robbie Duschinsky
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bosmans G, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ, Vervliet B, Verhees MWFT, van IJzendoorn MH. A learning theory of attachment: Unraveling the black box of attachment development. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 113:287-298. [PMID: 32276142 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Attachment is an inborn behavioral system that is biologically driven and essential for survival. During child development, individual differences in (in)secure attachment emerge. The development of different attachment behaviors has been traditionally explained as a process during which experiences with (lack of) responsive and supportive care are internalized into working models of attachment. However, this idea has been criticized for being vague and even untestable. With the aim of unraveling this black box, we propose to integrate evidence from conditioning research with attachment theory to formulate a Learning Theory of Attachment. In this review, we explain how the development of individual differences in attachment security at least partly follows the principles of classical and operant conditioning. We combine observed associations between attachment and neurocognitive and endocrinological (cortisol, oxytocin, and dopamine) processes with insights in conditioning dynamics to explain the development of attachment. This may contribute to the explanation of empirical observations in attachment research that are insufficiently accounted for by traditional attachment theory.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bram Vervliet
- Laboratory for Biological Psychology, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martine W F T Verhees
- Clinical Psychology, KU Leuven, Belgium; Clinical Child and Family Studies, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marinus H van IJzendoorn
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands; School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|