In this paper some behavioral indices of attachment are defined and some of the factors that affect its development are considered. (Editor)

Outlines the types of separation threats common in troubled families. Signs that threats are being used may include inappropriate clinging behavior, phobias, psychosomatic symptoms, and anxious attachment. Therapists may find other behaviors, often seen as problems in themselves, that are really reactions to perceived separation threats. (JAC)

Describes a scale to assess continuing affectional bonds, or attachment, in divorce. In a sample of men and women going through divorce, 86 percent indicated some signs of attachment to their ex-spouses. Suggests greater feelings of attachment with a recent divorce decision, and when the spouse asked for the divorce. (Author/RC)

Presents a working definition of negativism and a reconstruction of its development in the first year of life. New issues concerning the origins and nature of negativism are raised in the light of recent findings concerning attachment, autonomy, and temperament. Special attention is given to the development of "No" and symbolic negation.…

Relationships between day care and attachment were assessed with alternative procedures: (1) hypothesized normal patterns of attachment were tested naturalistically in day-care centers; (2) day-care and home-reared children were compared in a laboratory setting. (Author/MP)

Three sources of success inhibition are discussed as contributing to problems of success avoidance in a university population. Cases are presented to document these and a series of stages is described leading to the resolution of success inhibition. (JMF)

Notes the resurgence of fathering over the last decade and reviews existing literature on the direct and indirect impact of fathers on children's cognitive and psychosocial development during four growth stages: infancy, preschool, middle childhood, and adolescence. (SJL)

Based on research on patterns of infant-caregiver attachment, a theory of individual development is proposed. Principles of the theory include a focus on adaptation, a view of the person as a coherent whole, a central role for affective constructs and emotion, and a focus on individual differences. (GC)

Dyadic bonds and adult linkages are examined as examples of adult attachments which are frequently manifested through the relationships among adult children and their aging parents. A pilot study supported the hypothesis that family bonds, both in dyadic affect and in family integration, override separation and distance. (MS)

Two studies examined young children's internal working model of self and their competence, social acceptance, behavioral adjustment, and behavioral manifestations of self-esteem. Results indicated significant and positive relations of the positiveness of self with competence and social acceptance, with behavioral adjustment to school, and with…

Using a case study, explores a unique counseling relationship. Examines how the quality of parent-child attachment and care of a child during the formative preschool years affects interpersonal relationship skills and school adjustment. Discusses reactive attachment disorders, the pervasiveness of attachment disorders, and recommendations for…

Observed 62 children in 10 preschools and day care centers, and their interactions with their mothers (at home) and with teachers and peers (at school). Teachers rated children's social competence; children rated one another's likability. Regression analysis suggested that quality of child-teacher attachment relationships relates to prosocial…

Implemented a social-emotional intervention for at-risk 4-year-olds in seven day-care classes. Teachers were trained to perform activities associated with relationship building. Compared to children who did not experience the intervention, children who had it were observed showing decreases in negative emotion, greater involvement, and more…

Assessed association between aspects of mother's employment and security of infant-mother attachment. Found that mothers' prenatal attitudes toward work and timing of work return made significant contributions to attachment outcomes apart from effects of maternal sensitivity, demographic, maternal, child, and child care factors. Mothers who…

Notes that many researchers have asserted maternal "sensitivity" as the key feature of interactions promoting "secure" attachment relationships. Reviews literature addressing the construct of sensitivity, highlighting the problem of definition and identifying the range of behaviors typically used as indicators of sensitivity.…