The unique role of adolescent internalizing and externalizing problems, and maternal-adolescent communication in their association with attachment in early adulthood

Julie A Blake; Hannah J Thomas; Anita M Pelecanos; Jake M Najman; James G Scott

doi:10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104273

The unique role of adolescent internalizing and externalizing problems, and maternal-adolescent communication in their association with attachment in early adulthood

Acta Psychol (Amst). 2024 Apr 17:246:104273. doi: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104273. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Julie A Blake¹, Hannah J Thomas², Anita M Pelecanos³, Jake M Najman⁴, James G Scott⁵

Affiliations

¹ QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute of Herston, Queensland, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia; Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research Queensland, Australia; Child and Youth Mental Health Service, Children's Health Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: julie.blake@health.qld.gov.au.
² QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute of Herston, Queensland, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia; Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research Queensland, Australia.
³ QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute of Herston, Queensland, Australia.
⁴ Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia.
⁵ QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute of Herston, Queensland, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia; Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research Queensland, Australia; Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

PMID: 38636402
DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104273

Abstract

Attachment styles influence mental health and relationships through life. Few studies examine the adolescent factors associated with adult attachment styles. This paper examines the association between adolescent emotional and behavioral problems and maternal-adolescent communication with attachment style in early adulthood. Data from 3423 participants in a birth cohort study were examined. At 14-years, participants' mothers completed the Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale. Participants completed the Youth Self-Report at 14-years which measures internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ) at 21-years. The ASQ comprises five domains of internal working models of interpersonal relationships and attachment style: confidence (security), discomfort with closeness and relationships as secondary (avoidance), need for approval and preoccupation with relationships (anxiety). Associations were examined using general linear models. After adjustments, internalizing symptoms score was associated with all domains of attachment and externalizing symptoms score was associated with four domains of attachment insecurity, but not attachment security. Low openness in maternal-adolescent communication was most strongly associated with decreased confidence and high problem maternal-adolescent communication was associated with viewing relationships as secondary. Adolescents with emotional and behavioral problems and maternal-adolescent communication may benefit from attachment-based interventions to support the development of healthy relationships and attachments in young adulthood.

Keywords: Anxiety; Behavior; Depression; Emotion; Parenting.