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Shoshani A. The roots of compassion in early childhood: Relationships between theory of mind and attachment representations with empathic concern and prosocial behavior. J Exp Child Psychol 2024; 242:105880. [PMID: 38368743 DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2024.105880] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
This study focused on attachment representations and theory of mind as potential developmental origins of individual differences in preschoolers' peer- and adult-directed empathic concern and prosocial behavior. In two experiments, 3- to 6-year-olds were exposed to either a high-distressed or low-distressed adult or child using a laboratory setting (Experiment 1; N = 263) or hypothetical vignettes (Experiment 2; N = 202). Self-reported and coded expressions of empathic concern and prosocial behaviors were used as early indicators of compassion. The findings indicated that children expressed more empathic concern and engaged in more prosocial behavior in the high-distress condition than in the low-distress condition. Children's empathic concern and prosocial behavior increased with age. Secure attachment and theory of mind abilities played significant moderating roles in the association between distress conditions and empathic concern. Children with more advanced theory of mind abilities and secure attachment were better at recognizing the concerns of distressed peers or adults and showed significantly more empathic concern. Resistant and disorganized children exhibited more self-distress in response to others' distress. The implications for early interventions directed at increasing empathic concern and prosocial behavior are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anat Shoshani
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University (IDC Herzliya), Herzliya 46150, Israel.
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Erden Ozcan S, Ozgun O. Childrens' attachment story-completions and their theory of mind in three Turkish contexts: Seasonal migrant agricultural worker communities, residential group homes, and rural villages. Attach Hum Dev 2024; 26:41-65. [PMID: 38551380 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2024.2330437] [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: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/24/2024]
Abstract
This study examines the association between attachment story-completions, as evaluated by a representational attachment measure, and theory of mind (ToM) among 204 socioeconomically disadvantaged children aged four to six years living in three distinct Turkish contexts: Seasonal migrant agricultural worker (SMAW) communities, residential group homes (RGHs), and rural villages. Attachment story-completions and ToM were found to be related to the distinct contexts children were living in. In the SMAW communities, higher number of children showed insecure dominant attachment, with only one in four having secure dominant attachment. About half of the children in the RGHs had insecure dominant attachment. However, the majority of village children exhibited secure dominant attachment. Furthermore, irrespective of the context, secure dominant attachment was found to have a substantial positive influence on children's ToM. Findings suggest that early intervention programs tailored to address emotional needs and support cognitive skills may be the most effective in helping children in these contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ozkan Ozgun
- Early Childhood Education, Cukurova University, Adana, Türkiye
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Xu C, Yan W. Negative parenting styles and social adjustment of university students: a moderated chain mediation model. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-14. [PMID: 36340895 PMCID: PMC9628611 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03809-1] [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] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the relationship between parenting styles and the social adjustment of university students as well as the mediating effects of attachment avoidance and friendship quality. We further examined the moderating role of gender. This study used convenience sampling to recruit 501 Chinese university students to complete the Chinese version of the Negative Parenting subscale of EMBU, Attachment Avoidance Scale, Friendship Quality Questionnaire, and Social Adjustment Scale. SPSS 24.0 and the Process 3.5 macro program were used to carry out descriptive statistical and correlation analyses and mediating effect and moderated chain-mediating effect tests on the data. The analyses revealed that negative parenting styles significantly negatively predicted social adjustment in university students. Attachment avoidance mediated the relationship between negative parenting styles and social adjustment in university students, and friendship quality mediated the relationship between negative parenting styles and social adjustment in university students. Attachment avoidance and friendship quality played a chain-mediating role in the relationship between negative parenting styles and university students' social adjustment. Gender moderated the effect of negative parenting style on friendship quality among university students. These results show how negative parenting styles affect college students' social adjustment and its underlying mechanisms in the context of China's collectivist culture and high power distance and further reveal the gender differences involved, providing insights to better understand the factors influencing college students' social adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Xu
- School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhua Yan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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Attachment and the Development of Prosocial Behavior in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9060874. [PMID: 35740811 PMCID: PMC9222107 DOI: 10.3390/children9060874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: One key assumption of attachment theory is the relationship between security and the development of prosocial behavior. A secure child is more likely to feel and show concern for another individual, resulting in higher levels of prosocial behaviors (defined as voluntary behavior intended to benefit others—e.g., helping, sharing, comforting). (2) Method: Using a systematic review of the literature (PROSPERO: CRD42022290706), 703 articles were identified (EBSCO databases), from which 16 were considered eligible by the first two authors (inter-reviewer agreement: 85.714%). The criteria for an article’s exclusion were as follows: samples of children/teens not living in natural contexts; studies on psychopathologies; intervention programs; qualitative designs; studies on development or the validation of measures; studies that did not reliably measure the variables studied. (3) Results and Discussion: The eligible studies revealed incongruous results about the potential associations between attachment security to mothers and fathers and prosocial behavior. More consistent and significant relationships were found between the quality of attachment and empathy, while the associations between attachment and prosocial behavior were inconsistent (e.g., nine articles revealed significant associations; seven did not). In six studies, empathy was revealed to play an important role as the mediator between attachment security and prosocial behavior. The limitations and future recommendations were discussed.
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Di Folco S, San Martini P, Piermattei C, Zavattini GC, Psouni E. A Comparison of Attachment representations to Mother and Father using the MCAST. Scand J Psychol 2020; 61:243-252. [PMID: 31945192 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12611] [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] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to examine the factorial structure of the Manchester Child Attachment Story Task (MCAST), using a father doll to address the child's attachment representation to father. While the MCAST, a doll story completion task measuring attachment representations in early childhood, has been validated for use with a mother doll, its use for assessing attachment to father is relatively unexplored. Thus, an additional aim was to compare the factorial structure of the child's attachment representation to father and mother, respectively. We analyzed data from 118 first-grade children who underwent counterbalanced administration of the MCAST with a mother and father doll, respectively, within a period of three months. Exploratory factorial analysis revealed similar, three-factor solutions for attachment to father and mother, with a first factor capturing the child's (scripted) knowledge of secure base/safe haven and a second factor reflecting intrusive and conflict behavior. The third factor was different in the father and mother representations, capturing self-care and role-reversal in attachment to father and disorganization in attachment to mother. Findings support the potential usefulness of the MCAST for exploring the father-child relationship and highlight a need for further research on early attachment representations to father.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Di Folco
- School of Health in Social Science, Clinical Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Pietro San Martini
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Piermattei
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Elia Psouni
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Webster L, Joubert D. Sequential Latent Structure Analysis of Segregated System Material in the Doll Play of Maltreated Children. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2018; 11:327-338. [PMID: 32318159 PMCID: PMC7163903 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-017-0171-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A range of assessment methodologies pertaining to attachment in children have been developed and validated during the past decades. The present study examined the validity of a sequential, profile-centered approach to the assessment of attachment disorganization using a doll play methodology developed by George and Solomon (1990). The sample was composed of sixty-two children between the age of 5 and 12 who had been removed from their family of origin due to abuse or neglect. Latent Markov Models performed on markers of defensive dysregulation (Frightening, Chaos, Constriction) yielded three distinct states, characterized respectively by themes of fear or chaos, presence of at least partial constriction, and absence of segregated system markers across doll play stories. The states generally showed a high degree of stability across scenarios. The Frightening-Chaotic state was positively associated with sexual abuse, placement in a specialized setting and caregiver-reported externalizing problems whereas the Constricted state was associated with placement in a specialized setting and self-reported hyperactivity and attention problems. These results provide support for the validity and clinical utility of this approach to assessing attachment disorganization on the doll play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Webster
- Department of School and Educational Psychology, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA USA
| | - David Joubert
- Department of Criminology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa, 125 University, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 Canada
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Tupper R, Bureau JF, St-Laurent D. DEPLOYMENT STATUS: A DIRECT OR INDIRECT EFFECT ON MOTHER-CHILD ATTACHMENT WITHIN A CANADIAN MILITARY CONTEXT? Infant Ment Health J 2018; 39:466-477. [PMID: 29920699 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Research has suggested that military spouses experience increased depressive symptoms and parenting stress during a military member's deployment. A relationship between maternal depressive symptoms, parenting stress, and child attachment security has been found in the general population, as has an indication that social support may provide a buffering effect. While there appears to be an association between the emotional well-being of military spouses and child emotional well-being during deployment, data are limited regarding the association between maternal emotional well-being and child attachment security. The current study explores the association between deployment status and child attachment to the nonmilitary parent (i.e., the mother in this study) in a sample of 68 Canadian military families. Results revealed a significant impact of deployment status on maternal depressive symptoms and on quality of child attachment. The impact of deployment status on attachment was not mediated through the maternal variables, and despite a main effect of social support on the maternal variables, there was no moderating effect. Thus, our results suggest that deployment may affect child attachment independently of maternal well-being.
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Internal structure and reliability of the Attachment Insecurity Screening Inventory (AISI) for children age 6 to 12. BMC Psychiatry 2018; 18:30. [PMID: 29402240 PMCID: PMC5800067 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-018-1608-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the present study was to examine the internal structure and reliability of the Attachment Insecurity Screening Inventory (AISI) 6-12. The AISI 6-12 years is a parent-report questionnaire for assessing the parents' perspective on the quality of the attachment relationship with their child aged between 6 and 12 years. METHODS The sample consisted of 681 mothers and fathers reporting on 372 children (72.3% adoption parents, 14.9% non-biological primary care takers including foster parents, and 12.8% biological parents). The internal structure was assessed with multilevel confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) and the reliability of the scores with Cronbach's and ordinal alphas. RESULTS Multilevel CFA confirmed a three-factor model of avoidant, ambivalent/resistant and disorganized attachment. Multi-group CFA indicated full configural and metric measurement invariance, and partial scalar and strict measurement invariance across mothers and fathers. Reliability coefficients were found to be sufficient. CONCLUSIONS This study showed the potential of using parental reports in the initial screening of attachment related problems, especially considering the practical approach of parental reports. However, further development of the AISI 6-12 years seems important to increase the validity of the AISI 6-12 years. In addition, future studies are necessary to replicate the current findings, and to strengthen the evidence that the AISI 6-12 years is appropriate for the use in middle childhood and validly assesses the parents' perspective on attachment insecurities in their child.
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Katsurada E, Tanimukai M, Akazawa J. A study of associations among attachment patterns, maltreatment, and behavior problem in institutionalized children in Japan. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2017; 70:274-282. [PMID: 28654777 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigates the relationships among children's history of maltreatment, attachment patterns, and behavior problems in Japanese institutionalized children. Twenty-nine children (12 boys and 17 girls) from three different institutions in the Kinki area (Western part of Japan) participated in this study. Their average age was 6. 41-years (ranging from 4 to 10). Thirteen of the children (44.8%) had history of maltreatment before they were institutionalized. Children's attachment was assessed by the Attachment Doll Play Assessment (George & Solomon, 1990, 1996, 2000). The child's main caregiver answered the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL; Archenbach, 1991) to identify children's behavior problems. Results indicated a significant relationship between maltreatment history and attachment pattern. The relationship between attachment pattern and behavior problem was also confirmed. Implications and limitations of this study were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Katsurada
- Kwansei Gakuin University, Department of Psychology, School of Humanities, 1-155 Uegahara Ichiban-cho, Nishinomiya 662-8501, Japan.
| | - Mitsue Tanimukai
- Kansai University of Welfare Sciences, Department of Social Welfare, 3-11-1 Asahigaoka, Kashihara city, Osaka 582-0026, Japan.
| | - Junko Akazawa
- Fukuyama University, Department of Humanities, Gakuen-cho 1banchi Sanzou, Fukuyama city 729-0292, Japan.
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Gross JT, Stern JA, Brett BE, Cassidy J. The multifaceted nature of prosocial behavior in children: Links with attachment theory and research. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/sode.12242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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11
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Moss E, Lecompte V. Attachment and Socioemotional Problems in Middle Childhood. New Dir Child Adolesc Dev 2016; 2015:63-76. [PMID: 26086128 DOI: 10.1002/cad.20095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we will evaluate the evidence concerning links between attachment and behavior problems in the middle childhood period. We will first provide a general introduction to the question of attachment and maladaptation in the middle childhood period, and then examine the recent empirical evidence with respect to both externalizing and internalizing profiles. We will conclude with a discussion of new directions in research on this issue including the search for possible mediators and moderators of attachment/behavior problem associations.
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Di Folco S, Messina S, Zavattini GC, Psouni E. Attachment to Mother and Father at Transition to Middle Childhood. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2016; 26:721-733. [PMID: 28239249 PMCID: PMC5306151 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-016-0602-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated concordance between representations of attachment to mother and attachment to father, and convergence between two narrative-based methods addressing these representations in middle childhood: the Manchester Child Attachment Story Task (MCAST) and the Secure Base Script Test (SBST). One hundred and twenty 6-year-old children were assessed by separate administrations of the MCAST for mother and father, respectively, and results showed concordance of representations of attachment to mother and attachment to father at age 6.5 years. 75 children were additionally tested about 12 months later, with the SBST, which assesses scripted knowledge of secure base (and safe haven), not differentiating between mother and father attachment relationships. Concerning attachment to father, dichotomous classifications (MCAST) and a continuous dimension capturing scripted secure base knowledge (MCAST) converged with secure base scriptedness (SBST), yet we could not show the same pattern of convergence concerning attachment to mother. Results suggest some convergence between the two narrative methods of assessment of secure base script but also highlight complications when using the MCAST for measuring attachment to father in middle childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Di Folco
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, University of Rome, Sapienza, Italy
| | - Serena Messina
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX USA
| | | | - Elia Psouni
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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George C, Solomon J. The Attachment Doll Play Assessment: Predictive Validity with Concurrent Mother-Child Interaction and Maternal Caregiving Representations. Front Psychol 2016; 7:1594. [PMID: 27803683 PMCID: PMC5068140 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Attachment is central to the development of children’s regulatory processes. It has been associated with developmental and psychiatric health across the life span, especially emotional and behavioral regulation of negative affect when stressed (Schore, 2001; Schore and Schore, 2008). Assessment of attachment patterns provides a critical frame for understanding emerging developmental competencies and formulating treatment and intervention. Play-based attachment assessments provide access to representational models of attachment, which are regarded in attachment theory as the central organizing mechanisms associated with stability or change (Bowlby, 1969/1982; Bretherton and Munholland, 2008). The Attachment Doll Play Assessment (ADPA, George and Solomon, 1990–2016; Solomon et al., 1995) is a prominent established representational attachment measure for children aged early latency through childhood. This study examines the predictive validity of the ADPA to caregiving accessibility and responsiveness assessed from mother-child interaction and maternal representation. Sixty nine mothers and their 5–7-year-old children participated in this study. Mother-child interaction was observed during a pre-separation dyadic interaction task. Caregiving representations were rated from the Caregiving Interview (George and Solomon, 1988/1993/2005/2007). Child security with mother was associated with positive dyadic interaction and flexibly integrated maternal caregiving representations. Child controlling/disorganized attachments were significantly associated with problematic dyadic interaction and dysregulated-helpless maternal caregiving representations. The clinical implications and the use of the ADPA in clinical and educational settings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol George
- Department of Psychology, Mills College, Oakland CA, USA
| | - Judith Solomon
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge Cambridge, UK
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Wan MW, Danquah AN, Mahama S. Child-caregiver Attachment Representations in a Non-Western Context: The Feasibility and Cultural Equivalence of Story Stems in Urban Ghana. SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/sode.12196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Wai Wan
- School of Health Sciences; University of Manchester
| | - Adam Nyarkoh Danquah
- School of Health Sciences; University of Manchester
- Pennine Care National Health Service Foundation Trust
- Department of Psychology; University of Ghana
| | - Sheriffa Mahama
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences; University of Ghana
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Bosmans G, Kerns KA. Attachment in Middle Childhood: Progress and Prospects. New Dir Child Adolesc Dev 2015; 2015:1-14. [DOI: 10.1002/cad.20100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guy Bosmans
- Parenting and Special Education Research Group, University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kathryn A. Kerns
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH
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Raaska H, Elovainio M, Lapinleimu H, Matomäki J, Sinkkonen J. Changes in Attachment-Related Behavioural Problems of Internationally Adopted Toddlers in Finland: Results from the FinAdo Study. INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/icd.1876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Raaska
- Helsinki University Central Hospital; Helsinki Finland
- University of Turku; Turku Finland
| | - Marko Elovainio
- National Institute for Health and Welfare; Helsinki Finland
- University of Helsinki; Helsinki Finland
| | - Helena Lapinleimu
- Turku University Central Hospital; Turku Finland
- University of Turku; Turku Finland
| | | | - Jari Sinkkonen
- Save the Children Association; Helsinki Finland
- University of Turku; Turku Finland
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Chae Y, Goodman GS, Larson RP, Augusti EM, Alley D, VanMeenen KM, Culver M, Coulter KP. Children’s memory and suggestibility about a distressing event: The role of children’s and parents’ attachment. J Exp Child Psychol 2014; 123:90-111. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2014.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2012] [Revised: 01/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met genotype moderates the effect of disorganized attachment on social development in young children. Dev Psychopathol 2014; 26:947-61. [PMID: 24914507 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579414000492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Children with histories of disorganized attachment exhibit diverse problems, possibly because disorganization takes at least two distinctive forms as children age: controlling-punitive and controlling-caregiving. This variation in the developmental legacy of disorganization has been attributed primarily to variations in children's rearing experiences. Here an alternative explanation of these divergent sequelae of disorganization is evaluated: one focused on genotype. Structural equation modeling was applied to data on 704 Norwegian children to test whether the catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met genotype moderates the effect of disorganized attachment, which was measured dimensionally at 4 years of age using the Manchester Child Attachment Story Task, on changes in aggressive behavior and social competence from ages 4 to 6. Children who scored high on disorganization and were homozygous for the valine allele displayed significantly greater increases in aggression and decreases in self-oriented social skills (e.g., self-regulation and assertiveness) over time than did their disorganized counterparts carrying the methionine allele, whereas disorganized children carrying the methionine allele increased their other-oriented social skill (e.g., cooperation and responsibility) scores more than did valine-homozygous children. These results are consistent with the controlling-punitive and controlling-caregiving behaviors observed in disorganized children, suggesting that the children's genotype contributed to variations in the social development of disorganized children.
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Groh AM, Fearon RP, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ, van Ijzendoorn MH, Steele RD, Roisman GI. The significance of attachment security for children's social competence with peers: a meta-analytic study. Attach Hum Dev 2014; 16:103-36. [PMID: 24547936 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2014.883636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
This meta-analytic review examines the association between attachment during the early life course and social competence with peers during childhood, and compares the strength of this association with those for externalizing and internalizing symptomatology. Based on 80 independent samples (N = 4441), the association between security and peer competence was significant (d = 0.39, CI 0.32; 0.47) and not moderated by the age at which peer competence was assessed. Avoidance (d = 0.17, CI 0.05; 0.30), resistance (d = 0.29, CI 0.09; 0.48), and disorganization (d = 0.25, CI 0.10; 0.40) were significantly associated with lower peer competence. Attachment security was significantly more strongly associated with peer competence than internalizing (but not externalizing) symptomatology. Discussion focuses on the significance of early attachment for the development of peer competence versus externalizing and internalizing psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Groh
- a Center for Developmental Science , University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill , NC , USA
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Matias C, O’Connor TG, Futh A, Scott S. Observational attachment theory-based parenting measures predict children’s attachment narratives independently from social learning theory-based measures. Attach Hum Dev 2013; 16:77-92. [DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2013.851333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Bretherton I, Gullón-Rivera ÁL, Page TF, Oettel BJ, Corey JM, Golby BJ. Children's attachment-related self-worth: a multi-method investigation of postdivorce preschoolers’ relationships with their mothers and peers. Attach Hum Dev 2012; 15:25-49. [DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2012.744733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Inge Bretherton
- a Department of Human Development and Family Studies , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , USA
| | - Ángel L. Gullón-Rivera
- b Department of Family and Consumer Sciences , Western Michigan University , Kalamazoo , USA
| | - Timothy F. Page
- c School of Social Work, Louisiana State University , Baton Rouge , USA
| | - Barbara J. Oettel
- a Department of Human Development and Family Studies , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , USA
| | - Janet M. Corey
- a Department of Human Development and Family Studies , University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison , USA
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Pasalich DS, Dadds MR, Hawes DJ, Brennan J. Attachment and callous-unemotional traits in children with early-onset conduct problems. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2012; 53:838-45. [PMID: 22394435 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2012.02544.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antisocial children with callous-unemotional (CU) traits appear to be disconnected from other people's emotions; although little is known about their experience of the parent-child emotional bond. This study examined parent-child attachment relationships and levels of CU traits in conduct-problem children. METHOD Attachment classifications in boys (M = 6.31 years) with disruptive behaviour disorders were assessed using the Manchester Child Attachment Story Task. Multiple informants rated children's CU traits. RESULTS Independent of severity of conduct problems, high levels of CU traits were associated with more insecure attachment; specifically, disorganised attachment representations; however, CU traits were not associated with avoidant representations. CONCLUSIONS Among conduct-problem children, those higher on CU traits appear to be at increased risk of experiencing disruptions in parent-child attachment relationships; attachment may be an important area for treatment and prevention efforts for CU traits in young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dave S Pasalich
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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O'Connor EE, Collins BA, Supplee L. Behavior problems in late childhood: the roles of early maternal attachment and teacher–child relationship trajectories. Attach Hum Dev 2012; 14:265-88. [DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2012.672280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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Simard V, Moss E, Pascuzzo K. Early maladaptive schemas and child and adult attachment: a 15-year longitudinal study. Psychol Psychother 2011; 84:349-66. [PMID: 22903880 DOI: 10.1111/j.2044-8341.2010.02009.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the relation between early maladaptive schemas (EMS), as defined in schema therapy, and both child and adult attachment. DESIGN A 15-year longitudinal design in which child attachment groups (secure, avoidant, ambivalent, and disorganized) were compared in early adulthood on their profile of scores across EMS domains. A similar strategy was used to examine EMS profiles as a function of adult attachment groups (secure, preoccupied, and fearful). METHODS Sixty participants, recruited from Montreal day-care centres, were assessed at 6 (Time 1) and 21 years of age (Time 2). Time 1 attachment was assessed using a separation-reunion procedure and Time 2 attachment, using the Experiences in Close Relationships questionnaire. EMS were evaluated with the Young Schema Questionnaire (Time 2). RESULTS There were more signs of EMS among young adults with either an insecure ambivalent child attachment, or an insecure preoccupied adult attachment style, compared to their secure peers. These differences were not specific to one domain of EMS; they were reported for various EMS. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that specific elements of representational models are more likely to be related to the development of EMS: high anxiety over abandonment, negative self-view, and explicit manifestations of personal distress. Unmet childhood needs for secure attachment may lead to a large variety of EMS as defined in schema therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Simard
- Department of Psychology, Université de Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada.
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Dubois-Comtois K, Cyr C, Moss E. Attachment behavior and mother-child conversations as predictors of attachment representations in middle childhood: a longitudinal study. Attach Hum Dev 2011; 13:335-57. [PMID: 21718222 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2011.584455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This study examines longitudinal links between mother-child conversations and attachment patterns in early childhood and later attachment representations. It also tests the role of conversations as mediators in the association between behavioral security and attachment representations. Mother-child conversations (snack-time) and attachment behaviors (Separation-Reunion procedure) were assessed for 83 5.5-year-olds while attachment representations (attachment narratives) were measured at 8.5 years of age. Results showed correspondence between attachment behaviors and representations for secure-confident, ambivalent-preoccupied, and disorganized/controlling-frightened groups. Affective quality of mother-child conversations predicted both child attachment behaviors and representations. Secure and confident children showed greater integration of affective information, ambivalent and preoccupied children more affect exaggeration, and disorganized/controlling and frightened children more chaotic conversations. Avoidant children tended to show more affect minimization in conversations. Finally, mother-child conversations centered on the sharing of emotions and thoughts mediated the relation between behavioral and representational attachment security, which underscores the importance of mother-child conversations in the development of attachment representations in childhood.
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