Abstract
Research suggests that inter-individual differences in the degree of state attachment variability are related to differences in trait attachment and psychological problems between children. In this study, we tested whether such associations are also relevant at a within-person level, and if so, whether intra-individual fluctuations in the degree of variability were predictive of or predicted by intra-individual fluctuations in trait attachment and psychological problems. Children (N = 152; Mage = 10.41 years, SDage = 0.60 at time 1) were tested three times over a period of one year. At each timepoint, children reported on their expectations of maternal support in different distressing situations. Additionally, we administered measures of trait attachment to children and psychological problems to children and their mothers. We used Random-Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Models to distinguish between-person from within-person associations between these constructs over time. The results revealed that the degree of state attachment variability was mainly relevant to understand differences between children in trait attachment and psychological problems: children who overall showed more state attachment variability were overall less securely attached at a trait-level and reported more psychological problems. Although evidence for within-person associations was less robust, there was some indication that the degree of state attachment variability might be related to the development of trust and psychological problems at a within-person level.
Highlights
Ample research has shown that children’s attachment security is linked to their psychological functioning [1]
The current study aimed to explore whether the degree of state attachment variability is only a between-level correlate of trait attachment and psychological problems, or whether the degree of state attachment variability represents a process related to within-person changes in trait attachment and psychological problems, and if so, what predicts what
The current study contributes to our understanding of the interplay between state attachment, trait attachment and psychological problems in middle childhood over time and provides a new and unique approach to examine these associations at between- and withinperson levels
Summary
Ample research has shown that children’s attachment security is linked to their psychological functioning [1]. That attachment can best be understood as comprising both a stable trait-like component as well as a more dynamic state component that reflects context-specific attachment expectations [2,3]. It seems that the degree in which children intra-individually vary in their state attachment reflects an inter-individual difference factor that is associated with trait attachment, such that children who are more securely attached at a trait level seem to vary less in their state attachment [2,4]. At a within-person level, an intra-individual (short-term) decrease in variability may reflect increased (maladaptive) rigidity and predict intra-individual increases in psychological problems, resulting in a negative association at a within-person level
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
