The relationship of one-child attachment and parental attachment

Abstract

Objective To explore the relationship of one-child attachment and parental attachment, as well as the effect of family income and parental education on children's attachment. Methods 350 children aged over 12 years from primary school grade 5 to high school grade 3 in Nanjing were selected in two classes each grade in cluster sampling method as research objects. These children and their parents were measured by General questionnaire, Experiences in Close Relationships Inventory(ECR) and Adolescent Attachment Inventory. The data of the questionnaires were coded for statistical analysis-Pearson correlation to analyze the relationship of one-child attachment and parental attachment and Analyze of variance to explore the influence of family income and parental education on children's attachment. Results There was a significantly negative relation(r=-0.132, P=0.014)between one-child family negative dimension and mother avoidance dimension, and a significant correlation (r=0.131, P=0.015) between one-child family negative dimension and mother anxiety dimension. The interaction of family income and parental culture was significant in affinity attachment of one-child (F=3.641, 4.052, P=0.006, 0.003). Conclusion This study finds that one-child is more attached to their mothers than their fathers.Family income and parental education affect the attachment of one-child. Key words: One-child attachment; Parental attachment; Parental education; Family income