Infant-parent attachment: Definition, types, antecedents, measurement and outcome.
Attachment theory is one of the most popular and empirically grounded theories relating to parenting. The purpose of the present article is to review some pertinent aspects of attachment theory and findings from attachment research. Attachment is one specific aspect of the relationship between a child and a parent with its purpose being to make a child safe, secure and protected. Attachment is distinguished from other aspects of parenting, such as disciplining, entertaining and teaching. Common misconceptions about what attachment is and what it is not are discussed. The distinction between attachment and bonding is provided. The recognized method to assess infant-parent attachment, the Strange Situation procedure, is described. In addition, a description is provided for the four major types of infant-parent attachment, ie, secure, insecure-avoidant, insecure-resistant and insecure-disorganized. The antecedents and consequences of each of the four types of infant-parent attachment are discussed. A special emphasis is placed on the description of disorganized attachment because of its association with significant emotional and behavioural problems, and poor social and emotional outcomes in high-risk groups and in the majority of children who have disorganized attachment with their primary caregiver. Practical applications of attachment theory and research are presented.
Benoit
Diane
D
Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto; The Research Institute and Infant Psychiatry Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario.
J Abnorm Child Psychol. 1995 Jun;23(3):335-57
7642841
Dev Psychol. 1997 Jul;33(4):681-92
9232383
J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2002 Oct;43(7):835-46
12405473
Child Dev. 1995 Apr;66(2):474-85
7750378
Child Dev. 2000 Jan-Feb;71(1):164-72
10836570
Attach Hum Dev. 2000 Apr;2(1):71-84
11707893
Child Dev. 1998 Oct;69(5):1390-405
9839423
Child Dev. 1995 Aug;66(4):1100-6
7671652
Child Dev. 1993 Oct;64(5):1439-50
8222882
J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1997 Feb;36(2):165-78
9031569
J Consult Clin Psychol. 1996 Feb;64(1):64-73
8907085
Child Dev. 1998 Aug;69(4):1107-28
9768489
J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1997 Feb;36(2):291-3
9031583
Child Dev. 1999 Jan-Feb;70(1):183-201
10191522
Child Dev. 1993 Apr;64(2):572-85
8477635
Child Dev. 1988 Feb;59(1):121-34
3342707
Dev Psychopathol. 1999 Spring;11(2):225-49
16506532