The findings of differential maternal treatment of siblings in current research are often confounded by the fact that at the time of assessment the two siblings were of different ages. This prospective study examined concordance of siblings' attachment quality to their shared mother. Participating were 106 families and their 12 to 15 month olds.…

Analyses of the interaction of 45 Swedish infants with their mothers and fathers revealed that degree of paternal involvement had no effect on preferences displayed on measures of attachment and affiliative behaviors. At both eight and 16 months, infants showed clear preferences for their mothers over their fathers. (Author/RH)

Asserts (1) that contrary to Waters, findings affirm the importance of viewing mother-infant attachment as a dynamic relationship, responsive to family conditions, and (2) that these findings are consistent with those of other researchers. (Author/RH)

To assess the effects of the onset of mothers' inaccessibility to their infants, infant-mother pairs were observed in the Ainsworth strange situation at both 12 and 18 months and were classified as secure, anxious-avoidant, or anxious-resistant. Children of mothers who had returned to work/school before their child was 12-months-old were more…

Mothers of 702 three year olds were asked about the use by their children of a special soft object in situations of distress and at bedtime. Object usage was then related to the children's levels of independence. (CM)

Presents meta-analysis evidence of the association between paternal sensitivity and infant-father attachment from eight studies with 546 families (combined effect size r = 0.13). A meta-analysis of 950 families from 14 studies found an overall correlation of 0.17 between infant-mother and infant-father attachment. Presents a data-based model of…

Describes attachment theory, explores its application to group counseling, and elaborates points of interest to group workers. Focuses on attachment styles, attachment and caregiving, the group leader's goals, the group as an attachment experience, interventions based on attachment theory, its use in psychoeducational groups, and complexities in…

Discusses the stage theory of early child development of French theorist Henri Wallon. Describes Wallon's efforts (in contrast to contemporary Piaget) to describe emotional development and the role emotions play in establishing the child-caregiver bond. Argues that Wallon's theory is unique in its focus, influenced theorists such as Vygotsky, and…

Study assessed the relationships between maternal adult attachment style, children's perceptions of maternal support following disclosure of sexual abuse, and maternal perceptions of children's behavioral and emotional responses to sexual abuse. Findings indicate that fostering parent-child attachment is important in order to decrease the risk for…

Studied the role of attachment theory in adjustment to college in an effort to determine students who would need or seek out student support services. Survey findings for 184 freshmen revealed their attachment styles. By mid-semester, the predicted significant differences identifying students in need of support began to emerge. (SLD)

Examines the association between family structure, attachment, and identity formation. Results partially support the hypotheses and indicate that unresolved spouse conflict is associated with low levels of attachment in adolescents and attachment to father is linked to identity achieved and the diffused identity status. Findings support a link…

Three attachment style scales were developed. The factor structure of the attachment style construct was supported through exploratory factor analysis of attachment style scores from 1,181 and 545 recent college graduates. Additional evidence for score validity is presented, based on a measure of the Big Five personality traits. (SLD)

Creating pro-environmental behaviors requires creating bonds to the natural world. Modern technology allows more people to experience and bond with natural areas. Use of modern technology can alleviate negative impacts on nature through no-trace practices but also supports consumptive activities. Practicing primitive wilderness skills…