Maternal Sensitivity and Infant Attachment Security in Japan: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

In this study we examined the relation between maternal sensitivity and child attachment security, one of the core propositions of attachment theory, in a Japanese sample. Attachment security was assessed with the Attachment Q-Sort at the ages of 14 and 24 months. At the same ages, ratings were obtained for the mothers’ sensitivity in interactions with their children. The expected significant relationship between maternal sensitivity and child security was found both at 14 and 24 months. Maternal sensitivity showed moderate stability between the two ages. LISREL analysis showed that the correlation between maternal sensitivity and infant security at 24 months is not fully explained by the correlation between sensitivity and security 10 months earlier. This indicates that maternal sensitivity continues to play a significant role in the development of a secure attachment relationship in the second year of life.