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Article
Unresolved States of Mind, Anomalous Parental Behavior, and Disorganized Attachment: A Review and Meta-analysis of a Transmission Gap
Attachment & Human Development
  • Sheri Madigan, University of Western Ontario
  • Marian J. Bakermans-Kranenburg, Leiden University, The Netherlands
  • Marinus H. Van Ijzendoorn, Leiden University, The Netherlands
  • Greg Moran, University of Western Ontario
  • David R. Pederson, University of Western Ontario
  • Diane Benoit, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2006
Abstract

The current meta-analysis examines the links between unresolved representations of attachment, anomalous parental behavior, and disorganized attachment relationships in 12 studies including 851 families. We found moderate effect sizes for the associations between unresolved states of mind and anomalous behavior (r = .26), unresolved states of mind and infant disorganized attachment relationships (r = .21), and anomalous behavior and disorganized attachment relationships (r = .34). Sample characteristics, observational context, and observational measure were not associated with differences in effect sizes. Only a small part of the association between unresolved states of mind and disorganized attachment relationships was explained by the mediation of anomalous parental behavior (.26* .34 = .09). Other factors yet to be uncovered must mediate the influence of unresolved states of mind on infant disorganized attachment; thus, further exploration of infant, parental, ecological, and genetic factors are warranted.

Notes
Published in: Attachment & Human Development, Volume 8, Issue 2 June 2006 , pages 89 - 111. doi: 10.1080/14616730600774458
Citation Information
Sheri Madigan, Marian J. Bakermans-Kranenburg, Marinus H. Van Ijzendoorn, Greg Moran, et al.. "Unresolved States of Mind, Anomalous Parental Behavior, and Disorganized Attachment: A Review and Meta-analysis of a Transmission Gap" Attachment & Human Development Vol. 8 Iss. 2 (2006) p. 89 - 111
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/gregmoran/20/