Abstract
<p><em>According to attachment theory, mental representations are defined as dynamic cognitive guides that organize both perceptual and behavioral aspects of the self, attachment figure, and relationships with others. Based on this assumption, several studies had reported a relationship between attachment representations and the quality of care provided by mothers to their infants. This study explored on the relationship between maternal attachment representations, assessed by a narrative script task, and the quality of maternal care observed at home. Participants were 32 mothers between 19 and 44 years of age (M</em><em> </em><em>=</em><em> </em><em>29.6, SD</em><em> </em><em>=</em><em> </em><em>6.28) and their children between 8 and 10 months (M</em><em> </em><em>=</em><em> </em><em>8.91, SD</em><em> </em><em>=</em><em> </em><em>0.96). The results did not show a significant relationship between global scores of participants’ observed care (i.e.</em><em>,</em><em> maternal sensitivity) and their attachment representations. However, a specific association was found between two dimensions of sensitivity (acceptance and active/animated interactions) and the narrative script that refers to a child</em><strong>’</strong><em>s physical injury event. Additionally, mothers who reported early separation experiences with their children showed a significant association between sensitivity and attachment representations on mother-child scripts. Moreover, these mothers showed lower scores on global sensitivity and on specific behavioral care dimensions, such as sensitive response and acceptance to child’s signals, than those of mothers that did not report separations early in their children’ lives.</em><em><em></em></em></p>
Highlights
Attachment theory highlights the essential role played by early experiences with parents and caregivers in developing the individual’s social-emotional and psychological adjustment (Bretherton, 1985)
Low socioeconomic status (SES) families tend to be exposed to a variety of stressors and negative life events, which in turn has been related to lower rates of maternal sensitivity and secure attachment when compared to middle-class dyads (Nóblega, 2012; Posada et al, 1995; Waters, Merrick, Treboux, Crowell, & Albersheim, 2000)
This study aimed to explore the relationship between attachment representations and sensitivity in mothers with children in the first year of life, living in Lima
Summary
Attachment theory highlights the essential role played by early experiences with parents and caregivers in developing the individual’s social-emotional and psychological adjustment (Bretherton, 1985). Bowlby (1969/1982) proposed that the attachment behavioral system, inherent in human beings, serves to ensure attention and proximity to caregivers, in order to obtain their support and protection. Interactions with the person responsible for the care of the child, usually the mother, are the context in which the attachment relationship is established, and strong emotional bonds develop between the caregiver and child (George & Solomon, 2008). It is in these exchanges that the child builds a relationship of trust with his caregiver when she responds to his signals in an appropriate and sensitive manner. Vol 8, No 3; 2016 proximity, he will expect her to be physically and emotionally available to respond to his needs and provide the security needed to continue exploring the environment and face new or unfamiliar events (Marrone, 2001)
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