Maternal sensitivity during distressing tasks: A unique predictor of attachment security

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.infbeh.2011.04.006Get rights and content

Abstract

The extent to which maternal sensitivity during a non-arousing free play task and during distressing tasks at 6 months predicted infant–mother attachment security was examined. When considered simultaneously, only maternal sensitivity during distressing tasks predicted subsequent attachment security. Infant temperament was unrelated to attachment security.

Highlights

► Sensitivity in play and distress tasks were examined as predictors of attachment. ► Maternal sensitivity in distressing tasks was a unique predictor of attachment. ► Infant temperament was unrelated to attachment security.

Section snippets

Acknowledgements

This research was funded by the following grants awarded to the author: R03HD048691from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development, New Faculty Grant and Summer Excellence Award from the Office of Sponsored Programs, and seed money from the Human Environmental Sciences Center for Research at The University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I am grateful to the childbirth educators who allowed us to enter their classes for recruitment; to the families who

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