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Psychosocial risk, attachment, and behavior problems among school-aged children

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 October 2008

M. Ann Easterbrooks ,
Cherilyn E. Davidson  and
Rachel Chazan
M. Ann Easterbrooks*
Affiliation:
Tufts University
Cherilyn E. Davidson
Affiliation:
Tufts University
Rachel Chazan
Affiliation:
Tufts University
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: M. Ann Easterbrooks, Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study, Tufts University, 105 College Avenue, Medford, MA 02155.
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Abstract

The role of environmental risk and protective factors (attachment, verbal intelligence) in school-aged children's adaptation was examined. Subjects were 45 7-year-old children from low socioeconomic status environments. Security of attachment to mother was assessed by reunion behavior in the laboratory following an hour-long separation. Mothers and teachers reported on behavior problems using the Child Behavior Checklist. Results revealed a higher proportion of insecure attachments and behavior problems than in low-risk populations. Greater risk and less security were associated with poorer behavioral adaptation. Multiple regressions tested a model of protective processes; results demonstrated main effects of attachment security, even after controlling for extent of environmental risk.

Type
Research Article
Information
Development and Psychopathology , Volume 5 , Issue 3 , Summer 1993 , pp. 389 - 402
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

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