title: An index of relationship quality based on attachment theory.
abstract: Two measures are reported of the nature or quality of a mother-offspring (MO) relationship during development using brown capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) as models. One is a qualitative classification of MO relationships as secure, resistant, or avoidant attachments. The other is an empirical ratio of relative affiliation to agonism called the MO relationship quality, or MORQ, Index. The two methods tapped similar relationship features so relationships high or low of a median split of MORQ values were heuristically labeled secure (n = 22) or insecure (n = 16), respectively. A comparison revealed extensive behavioral differences between secure and insecure MO relationships and suggested MORQ provided an objective, continuous measure of attachment security.
authors.affiliation: Yerkes Regional Primate Research Center, Emory University, USA. achweaver@att.net
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Weaver
authors.forename: Frans B M
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: de Waal
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008425:Maternal Behavior; D009769:Object Attachment; D002679:Pan troglodytes / Q000523:psychology*; D010865:Pilot Projects