Family risk and early attachment development: The differential role of parental sensitivity

Gerlach J, Foessel JM, Vierhaus M, Sann A, Eickhorst A, Zimmermann P, Spangler G (2022)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2022

Journal

Infant Mental Health Journal Wiley-Blackwell: No OnlineOpen

DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21964

Abstract

Family risks are known to be detrimental to children's attachment development. This study investigated whether parental sensitivity plays different roles in early attachment development in the context of risk: Sensitivity was hypothesized to mediate risk effects on attachment, as well as a moderator that shapes the relation between risk and attachment. Multiple family risks, parental sensitivity (defined as responsivity and supportive presence), and children's attachment security of 197 infants and toddlers (Mage = 15.25 months) and their caregivers were assessed in a prospective study with a cohort-sequential-design in Germany. Caregivers' sensitivity served as a mediator of risk effects on attachment as well as a moderator that buffers adverse consequences of risk. Early sensitivity might be relevant in setting the stage for attachment development supporting resilience.

Authors with CRIS profile

Gottfried Spangler Lehrstuhl für Entwicklungspsychologie und Pädagogische Psychologie

Involved external institutions

Kreis Gütersloh

Germany (DE) Regens Wagner Stiftung

Germany (DE) Hochschule Hannover (HsH) / University of Applied Sciences Hannover

Germany (DE) Bergische Universität Wuppertal

Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Gerlach, J., Foessel, J.M., Vierhaus, M., Sann, A., Eickhorst, A., Zimmermann, P., & Spangler, G. (2022). Family risk and early attachment development: The differential role of parental sensitivity. Infant Mental Health Journal. https://doi.org/10.1002/imhj.21964

MLA:

Gerlach, Jennifer, et al. "Family risk and early attachment development: The differential role of parental sensitivity." Infant Mental Health Journal (2022).

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