Security of Attachment and Outcome of Preschoolers With Histories of Nonorganic Failure to Thrive

Abstract

We assessed the relationship of security of attachment to psychological competence and physical status in children with early histories of nonorganic failure to thrive (NOFT). Securely attached children were rated as less rigid under stress, as having higher standards of performance, and as more competent, skillful, and creative at 42 months than insecurely attached children. Insecurely attached children with early histories of NOFT were rehospitalized nearly twice as often as securely attached children. Patterns of early attachment did not relate to physical growth status, frequency of accidents, or other ratings of psychological competence. Type of early intervention did not affect attachment patterns or subsequent psychological or physical status. These findings suggest that development of a secure attachment pattern may enhance the psychological competence of children with early histories of NOFT, whereas an insecure attachment may contribute to risk of rehospitalization.