Parental Attachment Research Articles

An intergenerational study of mental health among parents and adolescents

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to examine the association between parents’ mental disorders and adolescents’ self-rated health, using both subjective and objective assessment of parents’ mental health status. Methods This cohort study was based on the Danish Future Occupation of Children and Adolescents cohort. Study population 25,891parents (biological parents or registered guardians) linked to 13,067 adolescents. Survey data were merged with register data on parent mental health, and logistic regression was used to analyse association between the register- and self-report data on parents mental health, and self-rated global health among their offspring. Results Adolescents’ self-rated health was associated with their parents’ mental disorders, showing an unadjusted OR of 1.5 (95% CI 1.4-1.6) when assessing parental mental disorders using ICD-10 diagnoses and an unadjusted OR of 2.0 (95% CI 1.8-2.2) when using the adolescents’ self-reported measure on the parental mental disorder. Adjustment for adolescents’ sex, adolescents’ mental disorders during childhood, parental education, and parental labour market attachment led to a decreased association between parents’ mental disorders and adolescents’ self-rated health in both analyses with an adjusted OR of 1.2 (95% CI 1.1-1.4) when assessing parents’ mental disorders using ICD-10 diagnoses and an adjusted OR of 1.8 (95% CI 1.6-2.0) when using the adolescents’ self-reported measure on parental mental disorder. Conclusions This study documents a clear pattern in mental disorders across generations and that parental labour market attachment as well as mental disorders in earlier life phases are risk factors for developing mental disorders in adolescence. The results point to the importance of public health interventions aimed at the more vulnerable group of adolescents, where mental health problems are observed over two generations. Key messages • There is a clear pattern in mental disorders across generations. • Parental labour market attachment are risk factors for developing mental disorders among their offspring.

Supplemental Material for Coordination of Parent and Adolescent Attachment Across Time

Supplemental Material for Coordination of Parent and Adolescent Attachment Across Time

Social factors that promote resilience in adolescents with depression: a systematic review

Abstract Background A socially protective environment matters. Social factors can protect against the development of depression among adolescents in community samples. There is however scant knowledge about their buffering role on the impact of depressive symptoms in adolescents in a clinical setting. Understanding these factors can help explaining why some children function well despite of their depression symptoms. In this review, we aimed to identify which social protective factors mitigate impairment from depression in adolescents. Methods We included peer-reviewed, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies using the following search strategy: Social protective factors AND depression or depression symptoms AND adolescents AND daily impairment, yielding 1737 hits. Included studies focused on social protective factors in relation to a depression diagnosis or depression symptoms severity, in adolescents age 11-24. Preliminary results We found 6 studies that examined the relationship between social protective factors and impairment or severity of depression symptoms in adolescents with a clinical depression or elevated symptoms. In these studies, higher rates of parental attachment, parental monitoring and school belonging moderated the relation between depression symptoms and daily impairment. Higher rates of family support and peer belonging were associated with the low depressed mood group. The rest of the studies tested the association of social protective factors on the development of depression symptoms in non-clinical populations. Conclusions There are limited studies on the buffering role of social protective factors in adolescents with clinical depression. Next, we will focus on non-clinical, longitudinal studies to explore which social protective factors moderate the development of depression over time. We aim to identify social factors that can mitigate the development of depression in community samples and are potentially important for clinical settings. Key messages • There is a scarcity of studies that explored the relation between social protective factors in adolescents with elevated depression symptoms or depression diagnosis. • The role of social protective factors that moderate the development of adolescent depression symptoms over time should be prioritized in the development of intervention programs.

Parental Insightfulness, Parental Sensitivity, Parent and Child Mental Health, and Attachment in Autistic Children: A Systematic Review

AbstractThis systematic review aimed to examine whether parental insightfulness is associated with parental sensitivity, parent and child mental health, and attachment in autistic children. Eligible articles used a quantitative research design and included participants who were parents or caregivers of a child diagnosed with autism and who completed a measure of parental insightfulness. Eight papers (six studies) met inclusion criteria. Parental insightfulness was associated with higher parental sensitivity and attachment security. No studies investigated associations between parental insightfulness and parent mental health. Although research is limited, parental insightfulness appears to be associated with parental sensitivity and child attachment in families of autistic children. More research is required to confirm whether these relationships exist cross-culturally, and with different caregivers.

The Predictive Role of Preschool Children's Attachment on Social Competence, Anxiety, Aggression and Self-Control: Peer Relationships as a Mediator.

The main purpose of this study is to examine the predictive role of preschool children's attachment on social competence, anxiety, aggression, and self-control of 5-year-old children (60-71 months), and to test the mediating effect of peer relationships in this model. A total of 309 children participated in the study. The data of the study were collected through the teacher checklist of peer relationships, the social competence and behavior evaluation scale-30, the self-control rating scale which the teacher filled out, and the doll story completion task which the researcher used during the application process. Path analysis was used to explain the direct and indirect relationships between the variables, and a Sobel test was also used to determine the mediational role of peer relationships. The results showed that peer relationships had a mediating effect on parental attachment between anxiety, anger, social competence, and self-control. This study shows that the reflections of insecure attachment experienced in the first years of life can be reduced by peer relationships and the reflections of secure attachment can be strengthened by peer relationships.

Spiraling down: Fearful attachment style moderates the link between parental burnout and violence

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the current preregistered cross‐sectional study was to examine whether in parents with high anxious (characterized with a negative model of self), dismissing (characterized with a negative model of others), and fearful attachment styles (characterized with a negative model of self and of others), the link between parental burnout and violence toward the offspring is stronger.BackgroundPast research has shown that parental burnout exacerbates violence toward the offspring, but the correlation is not perfect (r = .49), which suggests that not all parents in burnout out are violent, and that moderators might therefore be at play.MethodParticipants (N = 794) answered an online questionnaires one time, through Prolific. Parental burnout, violence, and attachment styles were measured through the Parental Burnout Assessment, the Parental Violence Scale, and the Relationship Questionnaire. Multiple regression analyses were performed to test the moderating role of anxious, dismissing, and fearful attachment styles.ResultsParental burnout and all attachment styles are significantly related to violence. However, only fearful attachment style significantly potentiated the relation between parental burnout and violence.ConclusionIn parents with high fearful attachment style, the link between parental burnout and violence toward the offspring is stronger. Results are discussed in light of the role of internal models of self and others.ImplicationsAnxious, dismissing, and fearful attachment styles should systematically be investigated when dealing with burnt out parents, as some may be associated with a higher risk of violence toward the offspring.

Father-child attachment on children’s screen time: mediating role of ego resilience

BackgroundChildren spend a significant amount of time engaging in sedentary behaviors, defined as activities that do not increase energy expenditure significantly above resting levels, such as watching TV and playing PC/video games. Increased screen time is a significant public health concern because children are in a developmental stage where lifestyle behaviors predict various health outcomes in adulthood and beyond. This study explores the links between parent-child attachment, ego resilience, and children’s screen time.MethodsThis cross-sectional correlation study uses 1,163 parents and their children data from the 12th Panel Survey of Korean Children. The study instruments were a modified Armsden and Greenberg scale of parent-child attachment and modified the children’s ego resilience scale of the Block and Kremen. Children’s screen time was classified as more than 2 h per day spent watching television, playing on computers, or playing video games in their leisure time.ResultsStudy results show a negative association between father-child attachment and children’s screen time (ß = -0.43, p < .001) and a positive association between father-child attachment and ego resilience (ß = 0.24, p < .001). Ego resilience showed a negative link to children’s screen time after adjusting for parental attachment (ß =- 0.03, p = .009). Father-child attachment link to children’s screen time (ß = -0.36, p < .001) continued even though the association was slightly reduced in magnitude after adjusting for ego resilience.ConclusionsOur findings show the mediating role of ego resilience on a negative path of father-child attachment to children’s screen time. This finding emphasizes the importance of fostering solid father-child relationships and enhancing children’s psychological resilience as critical strategies for reducing excessive screen time. By addressing emotional support and resilience-building, interventions can more effectively promote healthier behavioral outcomes in children.

Serial Multiple Mediation of the Marital Satisfaction and Parenting Competence in the Relationship Between Postpartum Depression and Parent-Infant Attachment in First-Time Parents With Low- and High-Risk Pregnancy Experiences: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Little is known regarding the effects of postpartum depression on parent-infant attachment in high-risk parents. Based on Mercer's theory of becoming a mother, this study aimed to (1) examine the mediating effects of marital satisfaction and parenting competence in the relationship between postpartum depression and parent-infant attachment using a serial mediation model in first-time parent couples during the first 6 months postpartum, and (2) compare the serial mediation models between parents who had experienced low-risk and high-risk pregnancies. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 194 first-time parent couples at 1 to 6 months postpartum were included. Participants completed an online survey on postpartum depression, marital satisfaction, parenting competence, and parent-infant attachment. In both low- and high-risk groups, parenting competence was a common mediator of the impact of postpartum depression on parent-infant attachment. A sequential mediation effect involving both marital satisfaction and parenting competence was observed in high-risk mothers. Our findings suggest that the adverse impacts of postpartum depression on parent-infant attachment can be mitigated by boosting parenting competence or improving the marital satisfaction in couples experiencing first high-risk pregnancy.

The relationship between intimate partner violence and parenting styles with mediated attachment styles in Iranian women

PurposeThe primary aim of this study was to investigate the role of attachment styles as intermediaries in the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and parenting styles among Iranian women.MethodsData for this study was collected between September and December 2020. The participants consisted of 102 women who had been referred to Social Emergency Centers in Isfahan due to their experiences with domestic violence. Participants filled out the Haj-Yahia Violence Questionnaire, Baumrind Parenting Styles Questionnaire (BPSQ), and the Attachment Styles Questionnaire (AAQ). To examine the hypothesized relationships, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used.ResultsEconomic IPV victimization was negatively related to secure attachment (β = − 0.309, p = 0.019) and positively related with authoritative parenting (β = 0.422, p = 0.019) and avoidant attachment style (β = 0.563, p = 0.000). There was a significant, positive relationship between sexual IPV victimization with secure and avoidant attachment styles (β = 0.351, p = 0.011; β = 0.407, p = 0.000). Authoritative parenting style was related to avoidant attachment (β = − 0.524, p = 0.015) and secure attachment (β = 0.371, p = 0.000).ConclusionsIranian IPV victims with secure attachment style were more likely to utilize authoritative parenting and those who have avoidant attachment were less likely to use authoritative parenting. Attachment styles may influence the relationship between IPV and parenting styles in Iranian women who have experienced IPV.

Parental attachment and mental health in Chinese early adolescents: The mediation role of narcissism

The generalization of multiple attachment models in Chinese youth is still unknown, and the specific effect of combined parental attachment on the mental health of early Chinese adolescents and the mechanism behind it remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to empirically investigate the effect of parental attachment on early Chinese adolescents’ mental health, to examine which multiple attachment model could best explain this impact, and to explore the mediating effect of narcissism between them. A sample of 834 early adolescents was recruited to complete standard questionnaires. Regression analyses, MANOVA, and mediation analysis were performed. We found (1) the effects of parental attachment on the mental health of early Chinese adolescents were generally consistent with the integrative model of multiple attachment; (2) a linear relationship was observed between combined parental attachment and anxiety/depression, while a curvilinear relationship was observed between combined parental attachment and life satisfaction; (3) combined parental attachment could affect mental health through vulnerable narcissism instead of grandiose narcissism. The current study offered one of the first evidence for the association between parental attachments and early adolescents’ mental health within a multiple attachment framework in China and provided valuable insight into the role of narcissism between them, as well as contributing to the literature by suggesting that the integrative model could be better refined by considering the characteristics of the indicators.

Silent Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Parental Attachment in Pediatric Patients.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to isolation measures intended to curb the spread of infection, which are believed to have negatively affected children's psychological well-being. This study examines the impact of the pandemic on parental attachment with children. A cross-sectional study was conducted with children visiting a general pediatrics clinic between April 1 and 20, 2023. Their COVID-19 infection history was recorded, and the Kern's Attachment Questionnaire was used to assess parental attachment in children who had contracted COVID-19 and those who had not. The study involved 716 patients aged 9-12, divided into two groups: those who had contracted COVID-19 (n=253) and those who had not (n=463). Kern's Attachment Questionnaire scores for mothers were 46.3 for children with COVID-19 and 49.4 for those without. For fathers, the scores were 43.9 and 48, respectively. Children who had contracted COVID-19 showed significantly lower attachment scores to both mothers and fathers compared to the control group (p=0.04, p=0.00). The pandemic's long-term biopsychosocial effects are evident, with increased stress and negative experiences posing risks to child development, particularly in terms of parental attachment. While early attachment begins in infancy, it continues to evolve. This study underscores the need for behavioral and psychological follow-up for adolescents in the post-pandemic period.

Impact of Mattering on Parental Attachment: Social Support Mediation and Self-Efficacy Moderation in Rural Chinese Children

Strong emotional relationships between parents and children are thought to be essential for developing a child's emotion of mattering, according to earlier research. Through the investigation of these relationships, the study aims to improve knowledge of the psychological and emotional elements that support normal growth in the population. To offer regulation for reinforcement of parental support networks in marginalized groups, it draws attention to the importance of these variables in determining the quality of attachment. This study explores the connection among mattering (MAT) and Parental Attachment (PA) with a focus on the dynamics that affect Social Support (SS) and Self Efficacy (SE) between rural Chinese children. Validated questionnaires assessing PA, MAT, SS, SE, and Parental Support (PS) are utilized to collect data from a sample (190) of Chinese children living in rural areas. Significantly favourable connections, especially between MAT and PA, are revealed by correlation analysis. These results reveal avenues for improving the development of rural Chinese children by underlining the significance of social networks and emotional attachments in fostering psychological well-being.

Autistic and schizotypal traits exhibit similarities in their impact on mentalization and adult attachment impairments: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundDeficits in mentalizing and attachment occur in the autism and schizophrenia spectrum, and their extended traits in the general population. Parental attachment and the broader social environment highly influence the development of mentalizing. Given the similarities in the symptomatology and neurodevelopmental correlates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia (SCH), it is crucial to identify their overlaps and differences to support screening, differential diagnosis, and intervention.MethodsThis cross-sectional study utilized questionnaire data from 2203 adults (65.1% female, mean age[SD] = 37.98[9.66]), including participants diagnosed with ASD, SCH, and those exhibiting subclinical traits to investigate the associations between mentalizing, attachment, and perceived social support during adolescence across the autistic and schizotypy spectrum.ResultsIt was revealed that both autistic and schizotypal traits have comparable effects on insecure adult attachment, primarily through challenges in mentalizing. The impact of mentalizing deficits on adult attachment slightly varies between autistic and schizotypal traits. Conversely, perceived social support during adolescence relates to improved mentalizing and secure adult attachment as a protective factor during development.ConclusionsThese outcomes highlight the significance of supportive therapeutic relationships and community care while suggesting directions for further research and collaborative treatments addressing ASD and SCH, considering the differential impact of mentalizing on adult attachment.

Relationship Between Types Of Parental Attachment, Levels Of Self-Esteem, And Perceived Academic Performance Among Students In Mixed-Day Secondary Schools In Masinga Sub-County In Machakos County, Kenya

This study investigated the relationship between types of parental attachment, levels of self-esteem and academic performance among students in Mixed-day secondary schools in Masinga Sub- County, Machakos County, Kenya. The objectives included assessing types of parental attachment, examining self-esteem levels, assessing levels of academic performance, and establishing the relationship between these variables. Materials and Methods: The study was informed by Maslow’s theory of need and Bowlby’s attachment theory and adopted correlational research design. The target population comprised 4,796 students, with a sample size of 356 participants selected through simple random sampling. Parental Attachment Questionnaire, the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, and Demographic Questionnaires were used to collect data. Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 25) software, descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics (Pearson’s product-moment correlation analysis) were used to analyze data. Results: The study found that most (53.3%, n = 213) of the participants scored anxious parental attachment, 25.4% (n = 121) were at avoidance parental attachment, and 21.3% (n = 105) had secure parental attachment. It was also found that 70.5% (n = 281) of the participants scored low self-esteem, 6.7% (n = 27) were at high self-esteem and 43.6% (n = 174) were average in academic performance, 42.9% (n = 171) had low academic performance, while 13.5% (n = 54) had a high academic performance. Conclusion: The study established a negative but significant relationship (r = -.852, p =.000) between avoidance parental attachment and self-esteem. There was a moderate significant relationship (r = -.313, p =.000 ≤ 0.05) between anxious parental attachment and self-esteem. There was a high positive significant relationship (r = .766, p =.000 ≤ 0.05) between secure parental attachment and self-esteem. There was a strong positive significant relationship (r = .630, p = .003, ≤ 0.05) between secure attachment style and perceived academic performance. The study recommended that parents should listen to their children and be fully present in their lives. The parents should be made aware of the crucial stage of development of their adolescents and fully collaborate with teachers in school activities whenever they are called upon

Examining the Development of Peer Attachment Based on Parental Attachment, and Collaborative Impacts on Mental Health among Japanese Youth

This study aimed at confirming the factor structure of the Japanese version of Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA) for peers. Furthermore, it examined whether or not peer attachment is significantly influenced by father and/or mother attachment, and to see whether father and mother attachment affects mental health directly and/or indirectly via peer attachment for each gender among Japanese youth. The targets of this study were 433 (men: 149, women: 284) Japanese college students who completed every item of the Japanese version of father, mother, and peer IPPAs, as well as Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation – Outcome Measure (CORE-OM) to evaluate their mental health. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to confirm the factor structure of the Japanese version of peer IPPA. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was utilized to see whether or not peer attachment is significantly influenced by father and/or mother attachment, and whether or not peer attachment mediates between parental IPPA and mental health. A bi-factor model, constituted by one general factor and three specific factors forming the original IPPA developed by Armsden &amp; Greenberg (1989), was supported by excluding one item from the specific factor Alienation. SEM revealed that the mental health of both male and female respondents was significantly influenced by peer attachment. Among males, its platform was built by attachment only to the father, whereas among females, it was built by both father and mother attachment.

학령기 아동의 부모애착 및 부모의 민주적 양육행동과 초기 청소년기 학교적응 간의 관계에서 집행기능곤란의 매개효과

Objective: This study was conducted to verify the mediating effect of executive function difficulties in the relationship between school adaption in early adolescence and children’s parental attachment and democratic parenting behavior in school-age. Methods: Data of 9-year-olds from the 11th (2018) to 12-year-olds from the 14th (2021) Panel Study on Korean Children were used to extract variable data that fit the purpose of this study. Descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS 21.0, and AMOS 21.0 was used to analyze correlation, structural equation modeling, and mediating effects through bootstrapping to verify the research hypothesis model. Results: First, school-age children’s attachment to their parents had a direct positive effect on school adaptation in early adolescence, but parents’ democratic parenting behavior did not. Second, executive function fully mediated the relationship between democratic parenting behavior and school adaptation, and partially mediated the effect of parental attachment on school adaption. Conclusion: Executive function, secure parental attachment, and democratic parenting behavior in school-age children tended to reduce executive function difficulties in early adolescence. These results are discussed in terms of need to develop parent education programs to increase attachment to parents and teach desirable parenting behaviors. Also discussed to provide continuous and systematic guidance and education on the importance of executive function to parents.

Виктимность в юношеском возрасте: роль социальных связей и характера отношений в семье и студенческом сообществе

Introduction. Currently, there is an increase in the risks of victimization among representatives of different age and social strata, including young people. The aim of this study was to reveal the role of the quality of students’ relationships with peers and parents in the determination of their victimization. Materials and methods. Russian university students (M=105) took part in the study. The following methods were used: a demographic questionnaire, O.O. Andronnikova's Methods for Studying propensity to Victim Behavior by O.O. Andronnikova, G. Armsden and M. Greenberg's Parent and Peer Attachment Questionnaire, Alvarez's Family Social Capital Questionnaire, Lau and Lee's Student Social Capital Questionnaire. The obtained results indicated the positive role of secure attachment to the mother and to the friend, family cohesion and the negative role of conflicts in the family in the prevention of victimized behavior in adolescence Realised victimhood is more closely related to mother attachment than to father and friend attachment. Communication and cohesion among family members prevent the realisation of victimhood, while conflictual relationships within the family contribute to it. The propensity for aggressive behaviour is determined by the characteristics of attachment to mother, father and close friend; family relationships, attachment to mother and attachment to friend predict the propensity for self-harm; the propensity for dependent and uncritical victimization is determined more by family relationships than by peer relationships. The practical significance of the results is discussed.

아동의 학업스트레스가 행복에 미치는 영향에서 부모애착, 창의적 학교환경, 시간사용 만족의 조절효과

아동의 학업스트레스가 행복에 미치는 영향에서 부모애착, 창의적 학교환경, 시간사용 만족의 조절효과

A Study on the Relationship between Parental Parenting Styles and Adolescent Attachment Decision Making Styles

This study investigates the associations between perceived parenting styles, attachment orientations, and decision - making styles among adolescents. Employing a cross - sectional, correlation research design, data were collected from 197 eighth - grade students (111 boys and 86 girls) Participants completed self - reported scales measuring perceived parenting styles, attachment styles, and decision - making styles. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between parental responsiveness and secure attachment, highlighting the crucial role of parental warmth and support in fostering secure attachments during adolescence. Conversely, a significant correlation was found between parental control and fearful attachments, indicating the adverse effects of harsh and inconsistent parenting practices on attachment patterns. . These findings underscore the importance of responsive parenting in nurturing secure attachment bonds and advocate for culturally sensitive approaches to understanding parenting styles. Further research is warranted to explore parental influences on adolescent decision - making across diverse cultural contexts, with implications for tailored interventions aimed at promoting positive outcomes in adolescents' development.

Parental attachment and emotion regulation in children: the mediating role of working memory

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to investigate the mediating role of children's working memory levels in the relationship between attachment insecurity levels and emotion regulation skills. A total of 150 children aged 5 years, 75 girls and 75 boys, were selected by the stratified cluster sampling method and their mothers participated in the study. The data were collected using the Memory Battery for Preschool Children, Attachment Insecurity Screening Inventory, Emotion Regulation Skills Scale and Coping with Child's Negative Emotions Scale. The findings indicate that the child's level of attachment insecurity to parents is directly associated with both emotion regulation skills and working memory capacity. Additionally, the study reveals that as the working memory levels of children increase, their emotion regulation skills also increase. The final finding of the study indicates that the child's working memory levels mediate the effect of attachment insecurity on emotion regulation skills. The results of this study indicate that children with insecure attachment should be given support to improve their working memory performance, to enhance their emotional regulation skills. This suggests that even in the context of attachment insecurity, the development of emotion regulation skills can be supported by fostering working memory development.