Histories of child neglect or child physical abuse were correlated with psychological functioning in 236 male and 276 female undergraduates. Childhood neglect was more predictive of psychological problems and anxious attachment styles than was physical abuse. Results suggest neglect and physical abuse are potentially separate moderators of…

This study applied Meehl's taxometric techniques for distinguishing latent types from late continua to Strange Situation data on 1,139 fifteen-month-olds from the NICHD Study of Early Child Care. Results indicated that variation in attachment patterns was largely continuous, not categorical. Implications of dimensional models for individual…

Two studies examined the influence of maternal discourse style and security of attachment on preschoolers' emotion understanding. Findings indicated that neither predicted 3-year-olds' emotion understanding. Secure attachment predicted higher emotion understanding among 5-year-olds, especially in the context of maternal use of elaborative…

Examined the feelings of mothers when temporarily leaving their infants--who were perceived to cry excessively--to other caretakers. Found through interviews that the mothers were anxious when separated from the infant, had an intensive perception of the infant's crying, and had difficulty sharing responsibility for the infant. (EV)

Examined incidence and intensity of separation anxiety at preschool entry. Found that the majority of 3- and 4-year-olds were rated as having relatively low levels of age-appropriate anxiety and fears. Four-year-olds were rated more fearful than 3-year-olds. Prior separation experience, sex, age, and general anxiety were related to separation…

Investigates two constructs integral to adolescent development, continuing parental attachment and social support, to assess whether the constructs are differentially related to indices of adjustment following a romantic relationship breakup. As hypothesized, hierarchical regression analyses showed that current attachment levels were related to…

Studied variability in mother-child attachment security among high-risk families living in poverty. Maternal sensitivity and the presence of appropriate play materials were assessed. Findings indicated that maternal, child, and contextual variables were significantly associated with attachment security. Furthermore, greater cumulative assets were…

Recent research recognizes the importance of interpersonal relationships between children and teachers. Thirty-five white, female teachers completed questionnaires on their childhood attachment experiences and current relationships with individuals in their classroom. Teachers' childhood relationship experiences were found to affect their…

This study offers a critical review and analysis of the Social Development Model and social control theory in delinquency. Results show that attachment and commitment to parents, school, and peers is associated with delinquency for both boys and girls. Parental attachment and commitment play a stronger role in female delinquency, while alienation…

Discusses how attachment theory can be useful strategy for producing therapeutic change and more productive client functioning. Addresses basic attachment theory concepts and parallels between counseling and attachment. Provides case example to focus, integrate, and elaborate elements presented. (Author)

Insecurely attached boys were less liked by peers and teachers; were perceived as more aggressive by classmates; and were rated by teachers as less competent and as having more behavior problems than were secure boys. No such association emerged for girls. Participants were 89 children assessed before and after they entered first grade and their…

The article presents examples of emotionally disturbed children's reactions to separation from a teacher with whom they have become involved. Suggestions are offered for facilitating healthy separation from the teacher. (JDD)

Reviews research from several disciplines to examine impact of stillbirth and infant death on parents, and the effect of various socio-demographic, pregnancy-related, and postbirth factors upon parents' grieving and adjustment. Reports that one-third of mothers reported serious physical and emotional deterioration. Notes that care and emotional…

Examines the course of emotion expression development during the first 2 years of 58 full-term and preterm children through videotapes of mother/infant pairs. Mothers' contingency behavior appeared to have an effect on emotional development, as did birth status and gender. Prematurity was associated with differential socioemotional development.…

Assessed the intelligence, attachment security, and dependency of 30 18-month-olds. Half of the infants' mothers were employed full time and half were nonemployed mothers. Studied were factors in mothers' lives such as stress, marital relationship, social contacts, and supports. Results suggest that different models to predict infant outcome in…