Unresolved states of mind, disorganized attachment relationships, and disrupted interactions of adolescent mothers and their infants

Dev Psychol. 2006 Mar;42(2):293-304. doi: 10.1037/0012-1649.42.2.293.

Abstract

The links between unresolved maternal attachment status, disrupted maternal interaction in play situations, and disorganized attachment relationships were examined in a study of 82 adolescent mother-infant dyads. Maternal interactive behavior was measured using the Atypical Maternal Behavior Instrument for Assessment and Classification coding system. Additional rating scales were developed to correspond to the 5 dimensions of disrupted maternal behavior outlined by E. Bronfman, E. Parsons, and K. Lyons-Ruth (1999). A robust association was observed between disrupted maternal behavior and disorganized attachment. Ratings of disrupted maternal behavior revealed that disorganized attachment relationships were strongly related to ratings of fearful/disoriented behavior. Moreover, mothers who were unresolved were more likely than not-unresolved mothers to show disrupted patterns of interaction with their infants. Regression analyses suggested that disrupted behavior statistically mediated the association between unresolved status and disorganized attachment relationships.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / psychology*
  • Attitude*
  • Conflict, Psychological*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Maternal Behavior*
  • Mother-Child Relations*
  • Object Attachment*
  • Play and Playthings