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PubMed2000

Family dynamics, parental-fetal attachment and infant temperament.

Family dynamics, parental-fetal attachment and infant temperament The purpose of this longitudinal study of families having their first or second baby was to explore relationships among family dynamics, paternal- and maternal-fetal attachment, and infant temperament. Data were collected from 156 women and 62 of their partners during the third trimester of pregnancy. One year later, when the infant was 8-9 months old, 75 of the women and 30 of their partners participated. In a hierarchical multiple regression analysis, after controlling for demographic variables, mutuality in the family was associated with greater maternal- and paternal-fetal attachment. Family dynamics were stable across the transition to parenthood except for an increase in role conflict reported by mothers. Sensitivity to specific family experiences by clinicians can provide assistance to families during these periods.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Talking theory, talking therapy: Emmy Gut and John Bowlby.

Emmy Gut was a psychotherapist who developed, in her later years, a unique theory distinguishing between "productive" and "unproductive" depression. Dr. John Bowlby was a leading psychoanalyst famous for his work on attachment theory. After the death of her second husband, Emmy contacted John because his work on mourning and grief spoke to her own depressed state. Although her views of the world and of her relationship with John were clearly coloured by bouts of depression, she was profoundly influenced by her personal, therapeutic, and intellectual involvement with him. Evidence of his influence is seen in the volumes of correspondence flowing between them beginning in 1971 and continuing until John's death in 1990. During that time, Emmy wrote more than 100-some very lengthy-letters to John. Much of her correspondence was devoted to discussions about their often ambiguous and conflicted therapeutic relationship. Through an analysis of attachment theory and the nature of the client-therapist alliance, this paper offers insights into the effects that imbalances in power, expectations, and shifting needs can play in the recovery process.

Bereavement↗

PubMed2006

Scripting attachment: generalized event representations and internal working models.

The secure base script construct is an innovative methodology that provides a reliable, valid, and generative measure of the internal working model of attachment-related events based on theory and research on generalized event representations or scripts. Multiple aspects of theory and research on scripts can provide additional information about the ways in which internal working models may develop along the dimensions of elaboration, complexity, and flexibility.

Child, Preschool↗

PubMed2000

Are infant crying and maternal responsiveness during the first year related to infant-mother attachment at 15 months?

In this longitudinal investigation, Bell and Ainsworth's (1972) Baltimore study on maternal responsiveness, infant crying and infant attachment security was replicated and extended. Each of the 50 families was observed at home during more than 20 hours, and infant crying behavior as well as maternal responses were recorded. Mothers and their infants were observed in the Strange Situation procedure at 15 months of age. Descriptive results showed that infants produced about the same number of crying bouts across the first 40 weeks after birth, but the duration of the bouts decreased by half during this period. The duration of crying peaked in the first nine weeks. The descriptive data are remarkably similar to the findings of Bell and Ainsworth (1972). Maternal responsiveness influenced crying behavior. Contrary to our expectations, the more frequently mothers ignored their infants' crying bout in the first nine-week period, the less frequently their infants cried in the following nine-week period, even if intervening variables like earlier crying and synchronous responsiveness were controlled for. 'Benign neglect' of fussing may stimulate the emergent abilities in infants to cope with mild distress. Extending an earlier report on this investigation (Hubbard & van IJzendoorn, 1991), we found that crying at home did not differentiate between secure and insecure attachment classifications, and it was not related to Strange Situation crying. Mothers of avoidant infants responded most promptly to their infants' crying. The failure to replicate the Baltimore findings was interpreted in terms of 'differential responsiveness'.

Crying↗

PubMed2006

Reactive attachment disorder in maltreated twins follow-up: from 18 months to 8 years.

The best means for the diagnosis and treatment of reactive attachment disorder of infancy and early childhood have not been established. Though some longitudinal data on institutionalized children is available, reports of maltreated young children who are followed over time and assessed with measures of attachment are lacking. This paper presents the clinical course of a set of maltreated fraternal twins who were assessed and treated from 19 months to 30 months of age and then seen in follow-up at 3 and 8 years of age. A summary of the early assessment and course is provided and findings from follow-up assessments of the cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal functioning of each child is analysed. Follow-up measures, chosen to capture social-cognitive processing of these children from an attachment perspective, are highlighted. Finally, findings from the case are discussed from nosological and theoretical perspectives.

Adoption↗

PubMed1994

Möbius syndrome: alternatives in affective communication.

A child with Möbius syndrome (facial diplegia) was studied during affective interplay with both parents at six and 10 months, then re-assessed with the Ainsworth Strange Situation at 14 months. The child demonstrated normal cognitive development, but insecure-resistant attachment. This experiment of nature is presented as an example of resilience in the field of social communication of affect and discussed as comparable to examples found in the fields of motor co-ordination and expressive language.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

PubMed1994

Loneliness and pet ownership among single women.

Relationships among loneliness, pet ownership, and attachment were studied in a sample of 148 adult female students, 59 pet owners and 89 nonowners. No significant differences were found on the loneliness reported by pet owners and nonowners. A two by two analysis of variance showed that women living entirely alone were significantly more lonely than those living with pets only, with both other people and pets, and with other people but without pets. No associations were found between loneliness and pet attachment. Also, no significant differences were found in loneliness or pet attachment scores between dog and cat owners; however, women living only with a dog were significantly more attached to the dog than those living with both a dog and other people. Conversely, women living only with a cat were significantly less attached to the cat than those living with both a cat and other people. These findings indicate that having a pet can help to diminish feelings of loneliness, particularly for women living alone, and compensate for the absence of human companionship.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Factors that influence the mother-infant dyad relationships and infant well-being.

This article presents a theoretical model derived by synthesizing research findings relevant to maternal perceived support, maternal attachment, infant well-being, and infant attachment. The model, depicting possible predictors that facilitate positive mother-infant relations as well as outcomes of the dyadic relationship, may be used to plan interventions to promote healthy mother-infant relationships. Implications for nursing practice are described.

Health Promotion↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Mind, brain, and psychiatry.

The question of how the mind and brain are related has interested philosophers and scientists for over 20 centuries. Psychiatry has approached this question indirectly, from the standpoint of trying to correlate mental and physical functioning. Recent neurobiological advances may help to resolve the mind-body dichotomy. In this paper we review one particular neurobiologically based theory, the theory of neuronal group selection as proposed by Gerald Edelman. We describe the applicability of this theory to the clinical issues of attachment, character pathology, and depression to show how biological and psychological hypotheses of behavior can be assimilated into an integrated approach. We also briefly discuss limitations of Edelman's model, as well as alternative concepts in artificial intelligence, cognitive psychology, and quantum theory.

Brain↗

PubMed2005

[The relationship between early neo-maternal exposure, and maternal attachment, maternal self-esteem and postpartum depression in the mothers of NICU infants].

PURPOSE: This study was performed to investigate the quantities of three neo-maternal exposures; visiting frequency, auditory contact and physical contact, and to examine the relationship between the quantities of each exposure and maternal attachment, maternal self-esteem and postpartum depression in 40 mothers of NICU babies during the first week in the NICU. METHOD: Each neo-maternal exposure was counted at every mother's visit to the newborn and maternal attachment, maternal self-esteem and postpartum depression were measured using the maternal attachment inventory, the maternal self-report inventory and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) on the first and seventh day in the NICU. RESULT: The Mean of each neo-maternal exposure was 8.77(2.81) for the visiting frequency, 5.82(3.66) for the auditory contact and 5.60(2.89) for the physical contact during 7 days in the NICU. No significant changes were found in the scores of maternal attachment, maternal self-esteem and postpartum depression between the first and the seventh day in the NICU. The quantities of neo-maternal exposures were positively related to the scores of maternal attachment and maternal self-esteem but not related to postpartum depression. CONCLUSION: The results of the study suggest the lack of early neo-maternal exposure in cases of NICU hospitalization negate its beneficial effects on maternal psychological well-being in increasing maternal attachment and self-esteem. More efforts are needed for the neo-maternal interaction and the reevaluation of NICU visitation hours in order to promote maternal-infant interaction.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Forming attachments in foster care: infant attachment behaviors during the first 2 months of placement.

This study investigated the development of attachment relationships in 38 foster infant-caregiver dyads over the first 2 months of placement. We used the Parent Attachment Diary to measure foster infants' daily attachment behaviors, the Adult Attachment Interview to examine foster parents' attachment states of mind, and Ainsworth's Strange Situation to capture attachment classifications. We examined differences in diary scales (secure, avoidant, resistant, and coherence) as they related to age at placement and foster parent attachment, using hierarchical linear modeling and analyses of variance. The results indicated infants with autonomous foster parents and infants placed at younger ages showed higher early and overall levels of secure behavior, less avoidant behavior, and more coherent attachment strategies compared to infants placed with nonautonomous foster parents. Changes in attachment behaviors over time were not predicted by the models; however, there was a significant decrease in the daily coherence of attachment behaviors associated with Strange Situation disorganization. Finally, we found significant concordance between the diary and Strange Situation scales for secure and avoidant behaviors.

Age Factors↗

PubMed1996

The internal working model of the self, attachment, and competence in five-year-olds.

The present studies examine some of the correlates of the self in the lives of young children. In Study 1, the connection is tested between young children's internal working model of self and their competence, social acceptance, behavioral adjustment, and behavioral manifestations of self-esteem. Ninety-five kindergartners aged between 51 and 76 months (Mage = 5 years, 3 months) participated in the study. An adapted version of the Puppet Interview was used to assess the representation of self. Affective quality (positiveness) of self and openness to admit imperfections were rated independently. Results show significant and positive relations of the positiveness of self with competence and social acceptance, with behavioral adjustment to school, and with behavioral manifestations of self-esteem, all rated by the teacher. In Study 2, Bowlby's assumption was tested that the working model of self is closely intertwined with the working model of attachment to mother. Subjects were 50 children aged between 55 months and 75 months (Mage = 5 years, 5 months). The working model of child-mother attachment was assessed through an Attachment Story Completion Task. The working model of self was measured via the Puppet Interview. Results show a positive and strong connection between the security of the child-mother attachment representation and the positiveness of self. The results of the two studies contribute to the validation of the adapted Puppet Interview. The Puppet Interview seems to be a promising instrument for assessing the representation of self in young children.

Child↗

PubMed2005

Attachment styles and headache.

The internal working model on attachment dimensions changes with significant emotional experiences. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if and how the internal working models correlate with primary headaches. Attachment dimensions of subjects suffering from primary headaches were studied. One hundred and fourteen subjects [68 with migraine, 23 with tension-type headache (according to ICHD-I criteria), 23 with chronic daily headache (according to Silberstein's criteria)], were studied and compared with a control group of 57 subjects (matched in sex, age and social level) not suffering from any primary headache. Attachment dimensions were investigated using the Adult Attachment Questionnaire (AAQ) and the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ). Headache sufferers seem to be characterised by attachment styles of the "insecure" type. In particular they seem to feel extremely ill at ease if there is an expectation of reduction of interpersonal distance.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2007

Attachment in toddlers with autism and other developmental disorders.

Attachment was assessed in toddlers with Autistic Disorder (n=20), Pervasive Developmental Disorder (n=14), Mental Retardation (n=12), Language Development Disorder (n=16), and a non-clinical comparison group (n=18), using the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP). Children in the clinical groups were more often disorganized and less often securely attached. Severity of autism was associated with more attachment insecurity, and lower developmental level increased the chance for disorganized attachment. Attachment disorganization was related to increased heart rate during the SSP. Controlling for basal cortisol and developmental level, more autistic symptoms predicted lower cortisol responses to the SSP. The findings support the importance of disorganized attachment for children with autism.

Arousal↗

PubMed2003

Early temperament and attachment as predictors of the Five Factor Model of personality.

To increase our understanding of developmental aspects of the Five Factor Model (FFM) of personality, prospective relations from infant temperament and attachment security to the 'Big Five' dimensions of personality in middle childhood were studied in a sample of 85 Swedish middle class children. Combined maternal and paternal temperament ratings at infant age 20 months and Strange Situation attachment to mother at 15 months were used as predictors of mother and teacher ratings of personality at child age 8 - 9 years. Also the A1 - B2 versus B3 - C2 classification grouping was used as a measure of infant negative emotionality. The results showed extraversion/surgency to be the dimension most clearly related to infancy data; it was predicted by both temperament and attachment security. Attachment security also predicted neuroticism and openness. The emotionality shown in the Strange Situation was not related to the 'Big Five'. The results were discussed in terms of approach and anxiety systems and internal working models as foundations for the FFM personality traits.

Child↗

PubMed2004

Recalled relationships with parents and perceptions of professional support in mothers of infants treated for cleft lip.

This study examined whether individual differences in perception of the quality of professional support available at a time of stress may be associated with security of attachment. We developed a new measure of parents' perceptions of emotional and practical support provided by a wide range of professionals involved in the treatment of infants with cleft lip. It showed good internal reliability and stability over 4 months. Mothers of 102 infants with cleft lip, with or without cleft palate, completed the measure at 2 and 6 months, together with the Parental Bonding Instrument and the General Health Questionnaire. Mean scores reflecting how much they could trust or talk frankly, or share their worst fears, with professionals, and the extent to which they saw them as a source of useful information or practical help, were lower among mothers with recollections of low maternal care in childhood, or high control. This was the case at 2 and 6 months, and there were some indications of an increasing contribution of low maternal care from 2 to 6 months. The associations were not explained by current depression. Further research is needed to clarify the role of attachment processes in parents' responses to serious medical conditions in their children, and into the implications for the way professionals in paediatric services provide support.

Attitude to Health↗

PubMed1981

A model integrating risk variables involved in the development of the schizophrenia spectrum.

A theoretical model of the etiology of schizophrenia, the schizophrenia spectrum, and normal development is proposed. This model is based upon replicated research. A selected review of the literature on the etiology of schizophrenia indicated that schizophrenia may be a developmental disorder of the quality of attachment interacting with the development of the reticulothalamocortical system, beginning in the earliest months of life. A genotype, phenocopy, and stress are specified, based upon replicated research results. We hypothesize that schizophrenia results from a continuing malforming transaction, beginning at birth, between a temperament genotype of a sensitive, easily aroused to high peaks of arousal baby and an environmental stress of an unempathic/insensitive, physically rejecting, noncontingent mother. This results in a classical conditioning paradigm wherein people become an aversive stimulus for an anxiously/avoidant attached infant. This anxious/avoidant response may have permanent biochemical and structural effects. It is also hypothesized that the same genotype interacting with an empathic, sensitive, physically affectionate, contingent mother may also account for artistically or musically creative superphrenics.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1984

The re-establishment of trust through psychotherapy.

In the course of life's experiences mistrust develops in childhood and adulthood. Clinical manifestations of mistrustfulness in patients are discussed. Successful psychotherapy has as one of its principal goals the re-establishment of trust within the patient. This takes place through the development of trust toward the therapist. This experience serves as a bridge to the re-establishment of trust in others. Those personal qualities in the therapist which are of the greatest importance in this area are reliability and realistic hopefulness. Being taken seriously and the opportunity to attach to the therapist are also very significant. The place of the therapist's interventions as well as the relevant significant qualities in the patient are also discussed. Trust breeds trust, connection with others and, thence personal security. This is a basic goal of psychotherapy.

Defense Mechanisms↗