Attachment-based assessments of parent-child relationships in middle childhood

Dev Psychol. 2000 Sep;36(5):614-626. doi: 10.1037/0012-1649.36.5.614.

Abstract

Although a number of measures have been developed to assess parent-child attachments, validity data on middle-childhood measures are lacking. The present study tested attachment-based measures of parent-child relationships designed for the later middle-childhood years (9-12 years of age). Self-reports from children assessed perceptions of security and avoidant and preoccupied coping. Some children also completed a projective interview assessing attachment state of mind. Mothers and fathers reported their willingness to serve as an attachment figure and were rated for responsiveness. Data were collected from a cross-sectional sample of 3rd and 6th graders and their parents. A 2-year follow-up on the younger sample provided data on the stability of the measures. There were modest associations across the different measures and moderate to high stability. The attachment-based measures were also related to teacher ratings of children's school adaptation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Object Attachment*
  • Parent-Child Relations*
  • Personality Assessment / statistics & numerical data
  • Personality Development*
  • Psychometrics