Attachment Q-Sort (AQS) is a tool for quantifying observations about toddler/caregiver relationships. Previous studies have applied factor analysis to the full 90 AQS item set to explore the structure underlying them. Here we explore that structure by applying multidimensional scaling (MDS) to judgements of inter-item similarity. AQS items are arranged in the MDS solution along three easily interpretable axes: a model that is compatible with but more parsimonious than factor analysis solutions. This geometrical approach suggests ways to modify the AQS-primarily a research tool-to make it more practical for clinical applications. Sets of AQS data are represented and interpreted in the three-dimensional model as vectors. Summaries at a finer-grained level are obtained by finding points in the model where variability across datasets is greatest. We report re-analyses of archival (published) data, and also data collected with streamlined procedures more suitable in the field. Although not reported here, collection and analysis can both be performed online via a website. The general methodology is not restricted to the current application of toddler attachment.

No abstract

Assumptions about dimensions underlying the four prototype model of adult attachment were explored in two studies. In the first {N = 225), associations between attachment prototype ratings and standardized measures of self and others in relationships were examined. In a second study (N = 246), measures of anxiety and avoidance were added to the analyses. Findings from correlational and hierarchical regression analyses provided support for the notion, contrary to assumptions of the model, that qualitatively different self and other dimensions underlie different attachment styles. Results are discussed in terms of the lack of equivalency in measures of "self and "other" proposed to underly each of the four attachment style ratings, the need to view attachment styles as complementary rather than mutually exclusive, and the need to continue exploration of the dimensions informing attachment. ResumeLes hypoth&ses relatives aux dimensions qui sous-tendent le modfele h quatre prototypes de styles d'attachement chez l'adulte a fait l'objet de deux etudes. Dans une premifere etude (N = 225) les associations entre les evaluations des styles d'attachement et les mesures standardisees des representations de soi et des autres ont ete examinees. Dans une seconde etude, des mesures d'anxiete et d'evitement ont ete ajoutees aux analyses. Les resultats des analyses de correlation et des analyses de regression hierarchique appuient la conclusion, contraire aux hypotheses postuiees par le module, que des dimensions qualitativement differentes de la representation de soi et de l'autre sous-tendent differents styles d'attachement. Les resultats sont discutes en termes de defaut d'equivalence des mesures de soi et de l'autre proposees pour evaluer les quatre styles d'attachement. La discussion insiste egalement sur la necessite de poursuivre l'exploration des dimensions qui fondent l'attachement, en considerant les styles d'attachement comme compiementaires plutot que mutuellement exclusifs.

Infants were visited in their homes three weeks before starting full-time out-of-home care and were followed for six months (or its equivalent for parent-care families). Employed mothers who preferred to stay home were more depressed, and their children were more likely to experience unstable care than those who were working and wanted to work. Early entry was related to higher household income, less maternal depression and use of family home care as opposed to centre care. Age of entry, and type, stability, or quality of care were not related to attachment security but children with less sensitive mothers using extensive out-of-home care were least secure. Difficult temperament infants were more likely to experience insecure mother-infant relationships, but extensive use of out-of-home care buffered this effect.

No abstract