This paper presents the results of a study focusing on the dimensions of object relations in people with autism spectrum disorder. An object relation denotes a relationship with a significant other, within which several identification processes take place through a meaningful emotional exchange. This is described by the developmental process of…

Within this literature-based article the authors consider the importance and power of relationships, within the field of early years education and care (ECEC). Drawing on the lenses of attachment and development theory, alongside current literature and research, the authors critically explore the significance of relationships in child development,…

Attachment theorists have long recognized that multiple attachments characterize the typical experience of most children. But an appreciation of attachment networks is new, and this commentary draws on some of the most theoretically provocative themes of the contributions to this special issue. These include: how the quality of attachment…

We examined the prototype v. revisionist models of attachment stability with a five-wave, 6-year, longitudinal study of attachment security from middle childhood to adolescence in a White Western European sample (N = 157; Wave 1 M[subscript age] = 10.91, SD = 0.87; 52% female). Attachment was assessed using both questionnaire (Experiences in Close…

This comment on the Special Issue contributions regarding the attachment network addresses the clinical implications of the findings from three perspectives: (1) the need to look beyond maternal influences on child developmental outcomes; (2) to be open to every seemingly peripheral influence on the child as this may have a central impact on the…

Nurture Groups (NGs) are a school-based intervention for children who missed out on healthy early attachment experiences and who, as a result, present with marked impairments in social, emotional and behavioural functioning upon school entry. Researchers have consistently found that students are significantly more likely to exhibit improvements in…

Third Culture Kids (TCK) are generally considered to be children who spend a significant period living outside of their home country but reside only temporarily in one or more host country/ies. TCKs' upbringing, it is argued, may lead to a number of negative psychological outcomes including depression, anxiety, and identity and attachment issues.…

Primary attachment plays a fundamental role in children's social and emotional development and psychological well-being. Secure attachment correlates strongly with better social competence, self-regulation, well-being and school achievement. There is no full agreement among researchers investigating attachment as to what extent primary attachment…

Background: The aim of this systematic review was to identify and critically appraise empirical research regarding attachment theory among adults with an intellectual disability. Method: A systematic search was carried out in Psycinfo and CINHAL databases. Only five studies met selection criteria. Results: Three main findings were identified: (1)…

The increased scope and percentage of children being homeschooled raise questions about the impact of this framework on the child's world. One of the issues that has not been adequately studied with regard to homeschooling is whether the emotional and personal problems of parents have greater impact on children who are homeschooled. The present…

It is believed that parental behaviours play a critical role in the development of self-concept. Recent research studies have shown that parents' romantic attachments affect both their parental behaviours and their children's behaviours. The purpose of this research is to examine predictive levels of parents' level of dimensions of attachment…

Attachment studies mostly follow the Western middle-class model in theory and methods. To demonstrate that the assessment of children's caregiving context is an often neglected, but crucial prerequisite for attachment studies, we (a) conducted a literature analysis of attachment research in non-Western contexts and (b) empirically investigated the…

This article examines attachment; viewing attachment as a continuum from secure attachment relationships through to attachment disorders. The article outlines theoretical bases in attachment, the implications of healthy secure attachment and that of insecure attachment in educational settings, suitable interventions and the importance of…

One in 4 children in the United States lives in a family impacted by the chronic, heritable disease of substance use disorder (SUD), also known as alcoholism or addiction. Recent research has demonstrated that resilience is a key protective factor against developing the disease in adolescence and adulthood and that the neurological roots of…

The primary relationship undermines how a newborn will develop. The first three years of a child's life in particular are fundamental for the development of the child's brain. This is when the "social brain" develops and grows in response to the spontaneous relationships experienced within the environment and when an…