Title

Beyond Sensitivity: Patterns of Maternal Interaction in Secure vs. Non-Secure Attachment Relationships

Authors

Tara Morley, University of Western OntarioFollow
Ya Xue, University of Western OntarioFollow
Kathleen O'Connor, University of Western OntarioFollow
Greg Moran, University of Western OntarioFollow
David Pederson, University of Western OntarioFollow
Sandi Bento, University of Western OntarioFollow

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

3-2010

Abstract

Attachment theory proposes that the sensitivity of a mother’s interactions with her child is the main developmental determinant of the quality of their attachment relationship (Ainsworth et al., 1978; De Wolff & van Ijzendoorn, 1997).

Empirical findings have generally supported this assertion; however, the strength of this association remains a matter of debate as the results of empirical findings have been highly variable (Atkinson et al., 2000; DeWolff & van IJzendoorn, 1997).

Several researchers have suggested that assessing maternal behaviour as a single global dimension may fail to capture important variation in the quality of interactions that influence the developing attachment relationship (van IJzendoorn, 1995; Pederson et al., 1998).

Consequently, assessing distinct aspects of maternal interactive behaviour may provide additional insight into the maternal contribution to the quality of the attachment relationship.

Notes

Poster presentation at the International Conference on Infant Studies in Baltimore, MD in March 2010