Maternal attachment and sensitivity in an at- risk sample

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between adult attachment status and maternal sensitivity in a sample of 30 at-risk mother-child dyads. The children were 18-42 months old with an equal distribution of boys and girls that were at risk for compromised development due to a number of social, emotional and environmental factors. Using the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI; George, Kaplan, & Main, 1985) it was found that only 17% of the mothers were classified as autonomous, while 83% were classified as anxious regarding attachment. Sensitivity was measured using the Emotional Availability Scales (EAS) (Biringen, Robinson, & Emde, 1993). Each mother-child pair was video-taped in their home during a 30-minute interactional sequence in which they played with a given set of toys. Only the results from the Maternal Sensitivity Scale are reported here. Mothers who were free to evaluate their attachment experiences on the AAI were most sensitive. Mothers who showed anxiety in evaluating attachment, as a group, while undoubtedly caring and concerned, were less sensitive. There was, however, wide variability within the group of mothers with anxious attachment representations, Preoccupied mothers showing the least optimal interactions.

Maternal Emotional Availability and Its Association with Maternal Psychopathology, Attachment Style Insecurity and Theory of Mind

“…This finding is congruent with Whipple et al [48], who also did not find a link between preoccupied attachment in the AAI and maternal sensitivity. The present study thus supports previous findings that the proximity-seeking dimension of the VASQ might not be a good indicator of attachment style and requires further validation [24], whereas the attachment insecurity dimension seems to be a valid and good indicator of attachment.…”

“…Studies report a positive relation between maternal secure attachment representation assessed by the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI [22]) and sensitivity and structuring as assessed by the EAS [23,24]. Moreover, some studies also report links between maternal attachment style, usually measured via self-report questionnaires (e.g.…”

Childhood Behavioral Inhibition and Maternal Symptoms of Depression

“…Children who have experienced less parental sensitivity early in life are at greater risk for developing insecure attachment relationships [31] , and toddlers with insecure attachment relationships are at higher risk for developing anxiety disorders later in childhood and adolescence [16] . Less parental sensitivity and more parental anger could thus promote anxiety disorders by undermining the child's sense of security and competence [32] .…”

Understanding the link between maternal adult attachment classifications and thoughts and feelings about emotions

“…It may be that an organized state of mind that relies on a hyperactivating emotional style cannot be sustained in the often chaotic and stressful life situations experienced by many young mothers. Oyen, Landy, & Hilburn-Cobb (2000) have called for more focused research aimed at furthering our understanding of the behavior of preoccupied mothers in high risk sample, perhaps also allowing for a comparison of deactivating versus hyperactivating emotional styles in unresolved individuals.…”