Security of Attachment Between Preschoolers and Their Mothers: Relations Among Social Interaction, Parenting Stress, and Mothers' Sorts of the Attachment Q-Set

Douglas Michael Teti, Miyuki Nakagawa, Rina Das Eiden, Oliver Wirth

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

121 Scopus citations

Abstract

Construct validity of maternally derived Attachment Q-Set security scores as indexes of attachment security was examined in this study of preschool-age children. Q-Set security scores related positively to sensitive, involved, flexible mothering and to preschoolers' sociability toward mother during laboratory free-play observations. In addition, Q-Set scores related negatively to children's negative affectivity during free play, which included ratings of their irritability, avoidance and resistance, and assertive/aggressive behaviors. Q-Set security scores were also associated with levels of parenting stress as indexed by the Parenting Stress Index, particularly with dimensions that tap child functioning. Collectively, these findings were consistent with predictions from attachment theory and add to growing evidence in support of the use of the Attachment Q-Set as an index of early attachment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)440-447
Number of pages8
JournalDevelopmental psychology
Volume27
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 1991

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Demography
  • Developmental and Educational Psychology
  • Life-span and Life-course Studies

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