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Article
Understanding the Transmission of Attachment Using Variable- and Relationship-centered Approaches
Development and Psychopathology
  • Heidi N. Bailey, University of Guelph
  • Greg Moran, University of Western Ontario
  • David R. Pederson, University of Western Ontario
  • Sandi Bento, University of Western Ontario
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-1-2007
Abstract

The interrelations of maternal attachment representations, mother–infant interaction in the home, and attachment relationships were studied in 99 adolescent mothers and their 12-month-old infants. A q-factor analysis was used to identify emergent profiles of mother and infant interaction. Traditional multivariate statistical analyses were complemented by a relationship-based approach utilizing latent class analysis. The results confirmed many theoretical predictions linking interaction with autonomous maternal representations and secure attachment, but failed to support a mediating role for maternal sensitivity. Strong associations were found between mothers displaying nonsensitive and disengaged interaction profiles, infants who did not interact harmoniously with the mother and preferred interaction with the visitor, unresolved maternal representations, and disorganized attachment relationships. Moreover, maternal nonsensitive and disengaged interaction in the home mediated the association between unresolved representations and disorganization. The results of the latent class analysis were consistent with these findings and revealed additional, empirically derived associations between attachment classifications and patterns of interactive behavior, some of which prompt a reconsideration of our current understanding of attachment transmission in at-risk populations.

Notes
Published in: Development and Psychopathology (2007), 19: 313-343. doi:10.1017/S0954579407070162
Citation Information
Heidi N. Bailey, Greg Moran, David R. Pederson and Sandi Bento. "Understanding the Transmission of Attachment Using Variable- and Relationship-centered Approaches" Development and Psychopathology Vol. 19 Iss. 2 (2007) p. 313 - 343
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/gregmoran/19/